Systems and methods for interactive jewelry design

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for designing a customized jewelry item on-line. Some embodiments include generating an interactive design tool. The interactive design tool comprises an electronic template of the customized setting and the customized setting comprises a plurality of sections. User-input data is received, in which the user-input data comprises selection of a section of the customized setting; and a selection of at least one customizable feature of the selected section. A graphical representation of the customized setting is generated, in which the customized setting comprises the at least one customizable feature. The graphical representation of the customized setting is displayed on a display.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/248,257, filed on Sep. 29, 2011, which is incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application is generally related to systems and methods fordesigning a customized jewelry item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system in accordance with an aspect ofthe invention.

FIG. 2 is a pictorial block diagram of a system in accordance with anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 3 a is a screenshot of the Inventory Search Page.

FIG. 3 b is a screen shot of the advance search option of the InventorySearch Page.

FIG. 4 a is a screen shot of the search results, after the user actionof searching

FIG. 4 b is a screen shot of the search results, after the user actionof comparing.

FIG. 5 is a screen shot of a certified grading report, after the useraction of selecting a certificate link.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial block diagram of a system in accordance with anaspect of the invention.

FIG. 7 a illustrates an exemplary example of the customer's monitorduring an interactive communication session.

FIG. 7 b illustrates an exemplary example of the customer's monitorduring an interactive communication session.

FIG. 7 c illustrates an exemplary example of the customer's monitorduring an interactive communication session.

FIG. 7 d illustrates an exemplary example of the customer's monitorduring an interactive communication session.

FIG. 8 a illustrates an exemplary example of the interactive designtool.

FIG. 8 b illustrates an exemplary example of the interactive designtool.

FIG. 8 c illustrates an exemplary example of the interactive designtool, after the user action of selecting the tab for “head”.

FIG. 8 d illustrates an exemplary example of the interactive designtool, after the user action of selecting the tab for “band”.

FIG. 8 e illustrates an exemplary example of the interactive designtool, after the user action of selecting the tab for “shape”.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following sections I-XI provide a guide to interpreting the presentapplication.

I. Terms

The term “product” means any machine, manufacture and/or composition ofmatter, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “product” means a machine, manufacture and/or composition ofmatter, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “process” means a process, algorithm, method or the like,unless expressly specified otherwise.

Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or otherwise)inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all references to a“step” or “steps” of a process have an inherent antecedent basis in themere description of a process, or in the mere recitation of the term‘process’ or a like term. Accordingly, any reference in a claim to a‘step’ or ‘steps’ of a process has sufficient antecedent basis.

The term “invention” and the like mean “the one or more inventionsdisclosed in this application”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “someembodiments”, “certain embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “anotherembodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments ofthe invention”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “variation” of an invention means an embodiment of theinvention, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “indication” is used in an extremely broad sense. An“indication” of a thing should be understood to include anything thatmay be used to determine the thing.

An indication of a thing may include an electronic message thatidentifies the thing (e.g., an identification of a widget by a serialnumber affixed to the widget, an identification of a widget by one ormore characteristics of the widget). An indication of a thing mayinclude information that may be used to compute and/or look-up a thing(e.g., information identifying a machine of which a widget is a partthat may be used to determine the widget). An indication of a thing mayspecify things that are related to the thing (e.g., characteristics ofthe thing, a name of the thing, a name of a thing related to the thing).An indication of a thing may not specify things that are related to thething (e.g., a letter “a” may be an indication of a widget of a computersystem that is configured to interpret the letter “a” to identify thewidget). An indication of a thing may include a sign, a symptom, and/ora token of the thing. An indication, for example, may include a code, areference, an example, a link, a signal, and/or an identifier. Anindication of a thing may include information that represents,describes, and/or otherwise is associated with the thing.

A transformation of an indication of a thing may be an indication of thething (e.g., an encrypted indication of a thing may be an indication ofthe thing). An indication of a thing may include the thing itself, acopy of the thing, and/or a portion of the thing. An indication of athing may be meaningless to a thing that is not configured to understandthe indication (e.g., a person may not understand that a letter “a”indicates a widget but it may nonetheless be an indication of the widgetbecause the computer system may determine the widget from the letter“a”). It should be understood that the fact that an indication of athing may be used to determine the thing does not mean that the thing oranything else is determined. An indication of a thing may include anindication of any number of the thing unless specified otherwise. Anindication of a thing may include an indication of other things (e.g.,an electronic message that indicates may things). (Indication can beused as a very broad term in claim language. For example: receiving anindication of a financial instrument.)

The term “represent” means (1) to serve to express, designate, standfor, or denote, as a word, symbol, or the like does; (2) to express ordesignate by some term, character, symbol, or the like; (3) to portrayor depict or present the likeness of, as a picture does; or (4) to serveas a sign or symbol of.

A reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does notimply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with anotherembodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referencedembodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise. Similarly, the merefact that two (or more) embodiments are referenced does not imply thatthose embodiments are mutually exclusive.

One embodiment of the invention may include or cover or embrace morethan one other embodiment of the invention. For example, a firstembodiment comprising elements a, b, and c may cover a second embodimentthat comprises elements a, b, c, and d as well as a third embodimentcovering elements a, b, c, and e. Similarly, each of the first, second,and third embodiments may cover a fourth embodiment comprising elementsa, b, c, d, and e.

The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not necessarily limited to”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. Thus, for example, the sentence “the machine includes a redwidget and a blue widget” means the machine includes the red widget andthe blue widget, but may possibly include one or more other items aswell.

The term “consisting of” and variations thereof mean “including and alsolimited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. Thus, for example,the sentence “the machine consists of a red widget and a blue widget”means the machine includes the red widget and the blue widget, but doesnot include anything else.

The term “compose” and variations thereof mean “to make up theconstituent parts of, component of or member of”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. Thus, for example, the sentence “the red widget andthe blue widget compose a machine” means the machine includes the redwidget and the blue widget.

The term “exclusively compose” and variations thereof mean “to make upexclusively the constituent parts of, to be the only components of, orto be the only members of”, unless expressly specified otherwise. Thus,for example, the sentence “the red widget and the blue widgetexclusively compose a machine” means the machine consists of the redwidget and the blue widget (i.e. and nothing else).

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” refer to “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. Thus, for example, the phrase “a widget” means oneor more widgets, unless expressly specified otherwise. Similarly, afterreciting the phrase “a widget”, a subsequent recitation of the phrase“the widget” means “the one or more widgets”. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that the word “the” may also refer to a specific term havingantecedent basis. For example, if a paragraph mentions “a specificsingle feature” and then refers to “the feature,” then the phrase “thefeature” should be understood to refer to the previously mentioned “aspecific single feature.” (It should be understood that the term “a” in“a specific single feature” refers to “one” specific single feature andnot “one or more” specific single features.)

The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The term “herein” means “in the present application, including anythingwhich may be incorporated by reference”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality ofthings (such as an enumerated list of things), means any combination ofone or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. Forexample, the phrase “at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel” meanseither (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car,(v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, acar and a wheel. The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifiesa plurality of things does not mean “one of each of” the plurality ofthings. For example, the phrase “at least one of a widget, a car and awheel” does not mean “one widget, one car and one wheel”.

Numerical terms such as “one”, “two”, etc. when used as cardinal numbersto indicate quantity of something (e.g., one widget, two widgets), meanthe quantity indicated by that numerical term, but do not mean at leastthe quantity indicated by that numerical term. For example, the phrase“one widget” does not mean “at least one widget”, and therefore thephrase “one widget” does not cover, e.g., two widgets.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” covers both“based only on” and “based at least on”. The phrase “based at least on”is equivalent to the phrase “based at least in part on”. For example,the phrase “element A is calculated based on element B and element C”covers embodiments where element A is calculated as the product of Btimes C (in other words, A=B×C), embodiments where A is calculated asthe sum of B plus C (in other words, A=B+C), embodiments where A iscalculated as a product of B times C times D, embodiments where A iscalculated as a sum of the square root of B plus C plus D times E, andso on.

The term “represent” and like terms are not exclusive, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. For example, the term “represents” does not mean“represents only”, unless expressly specified otherwise. For example,the phrase “the data represents a credit card number” covers both “thedata represents only a credit card number” and “the data represents acredit card number and the data also represents something else”.

The term “whereby” is used herein only to precede a clause or other setof words that express only the intended result, objective or consequenceof something that is explicitly recited before the term “whereby”. Thus,when the term “whereby” is used in a claim, the clause or other wordsthat the term “whereby” modifies do not establish specific furtherlimitations of the claim or otherwise restrict the meaning or scope ofthe claim.

The terms “e.g”, “such as” and like terms mean “for example”, and thusdo not limit the term or phrase they explain. For example, in thesentence “the computer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data structure)over the Internet”, the term “e.g.” explains that “instructions” are anexample of “data” that the computer may send over the Internet, and alsoexplains that “a data structure” is an example of “data” that thecomputer may send over the Internet. However, both “instructions” and “adata structure” are merely examples of “data”, and other things besides“instructions” and “a data structure” can be “data”.

The term “respective” and like terms mean “taken individually”. Thus iftwo or more things have “respective” characteristics, then each suchthing has its own characteristic, and these characteristics can bedifferent from each other but need not be. For example, the phrase “eachof two machines has a respective function” means that the first of thetwo machines has a function and the second of the two machines has afunction as well. The function of the first machine may or may not bethe same as the function of the second machine.

The term “i.e.” and like terms mean “that is”, and thus limits the termor phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “the computer sendsdata (i.e., instructions) over the Internet”, the term “i.e.” explainsthat “instructions” are the “data” that the computer sends over theInternet.

A numerical range includes integers and non-integers in the range,unless expressly specified otherwise. For example, the range “1 to 10”includes the integers from 1 to 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, . . . 9, 10) andnon-integers (e.g., 1.0031415926, 1.1, 1.2, . . . 1.9).

Where two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g., because of anexplicit statement that the terms or phrases are synonymous), instancesof one such term or phrase does not mean instances of another such termor phrase must have a different meaning. For example, where a statementrenders the meaning of “including” to be synonymous with “including butnot limited to”, the mere usage of the phrase “including but not limitedto” does not mean that the term “including” means something other than“including but not limited to”.

II. Determining

The term “determining” and grammatical variants thereof (e.g., todetermine a price, determining a value, the determination of an objectwhich meets a certain criterion) is used in an extremely broad sense.The term “determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions andtherefore “determining” can include calculating, computing, processing,deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, adatabase or another data structure), rendering into electronic format ordigital representation, ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining”can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g.,accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” caninclude resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply certainty or absolute precision,and therefore “determining” can include estimating, extrapolating,predicting, guessing, averaging and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply that mathematical processing mustbe performed, and does not imply that numerical methods must be used,and does not imply that an algorithm is used.

The term “determining” does not imply that any particular device must beused. For example, a computer need not necessarily perform thedetermining.

The term “determining” may include “calculating”. The term “calculating”should be understood to include performing one or more calculations.Calculating may include computing, processing, and/or deriving.Calculating may be performed by a computing device. For example,calculating a thing may include applying an algorithm to data by acomputer processor and generating the thing as an output of theprocessor.

The term “determining” may include “referencing”. The term “referencing”should be understood to include making one or more reference, e.g., to athing. Referencing may include querying, accessing, selecting, choosing,reading, and/or looking-up. The act of referencing may be performed by acomputing device. For example, referencing a thing may include reading amemory location in which the thing is stored by a processor.

The term “determining” may include “receiving”. For example, receiving athing may include taking in the thing. In some embodiments, receivingmay include acts performed to take in a thing, such as operating anetwork interface through which the thing is taken in. In someembodiments, receiving may be performed without acts performed to takein the thing, such as in a direct memory write or a hard wired circuit.Receiving a thing may include receiving a thing from a remote sourcethat may have calculated the thing.

III. Forms of Sentences

Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a feature as wellas more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation such as “at least onewidget” covers one widget as well as more than one widget), and where ina second claim that depends on the first claim, the second claim uses adefinite article “the” to refer to that limitation (e.g., “the widget”),this mere usage does not imply that the first claim covers only one ofthe feature, and this does not imply that the second claim covers onlyone of the feature (e.g., “the widget” can cover both one widget andmore than one widget).

When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on) isused as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unlessexpressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature,such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature thatis described by the same term or by a similar term, but that ordinalnumber does not have any other meaning or limiting effect—it is merely aconvenient name. For example, a “first widget” may be so named merely todistinguish it from, e.g., a “second widget”. Thus, the mere usage ofthe ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” doesnot indicate any other relationship between the two widgets, andlikewise does not indicate any other characteristics of either or bothwidgets. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and“second” before the term “widget” (1) does not indicate that eitherwidget comes before or after any other in order or location; (2) doesnot indicate that either widget occurs or acts before or after any otherin time; and (3) does not indicate that either widget ranks above orbelow any other, as in importance or quality. The mere usage of ordinalnumbers does not define a numerical limit to the features identifiedwith the ordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinalnumbers “first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicatethat there are exactly two widgets.

When a single device, article or other product is described herein, inanother embodiment more than one device or article (whether or not theycooperate) may alternatively be used in place of the single device orarticle that is described. Accordingly, the functionality that isdescribed as being possessed by a device may alternatively be possessedby more than one device or article (whether or not they cooperate) inanother embodiment.

Similarly, where more than one device, article or other product isdescribed herein (whether or not they cooperate), in another embodimenta single device or article may alternatively be used in place of themore than one device or article that is described. For example, aplurality of computer-based devices may be substituted with a singlecomputer-based device. In some embodiments, such a plurality ofcomputer-based devices may operate together to perform one step of aprocess such as is common in grid computing systems. In someembodiments, such a plurality of computer-based devices may operateprovide added functionality to one another so that the plurality mayoperate to perform one step of a process such as is common in cloudcomputing systems. (Conversely, a single computer-based device may besubstituted with multiple computer-based devices operating incooperation with one another. For example, a single computing device maybe substituted with a server and a workstation in communication with oneanother over the internet). Accordingly, the various functionality thatis described as being possessed by more than one device or article mayalternatively be possessed by a single device or article.

The functionality and/or the features of a single device that isdescribed may, in another embodiment, be alternatively embodied by oneor more other devices which are described but are not explicitlydescribed as having such functionality or features. Thus, otherembodiments need not include the described device itself, but rather caninclude the one or more other devices which would, in those otherembodiments, have such functionality or features.

IV. Disclosed Examples and Terminology are not Limiting

Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of thepresent application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of thepresent application) is to be taken as limiting in any way the scope ofthe disclosed invention, is to be used in interpreting the meaning ofany claim or is to be used in limiting the scope of any claim. AnAbstract has been included in this application merely because anAbstract is required under 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

The headings of sections provided in the present application are forconvenience only, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure inany way.

Numerous embodiments are described in the present application, and arepresented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments arenot, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The disclosedinvention is widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as is readilyapparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the disclosed invention may be practiced with variousmodifications and alterations, such as structural, logical, software,and electrical modifications. Although particular features of thedisclosed invention may be described with reference to one or moreparticular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understood thatsuch features are not limited to usage in the one or more particularembodiments or drawings with reference to which they are described,unless expressly specified otherwise.

Though an embodiment may be disclosed as including several features,other embodiments of the invention may include fewer than all suchfeatures. Thus, for example, a claim may be directed to less than theentire set of features in a disclosed embodiment, and such claim wouldnot be interpreted as requiring features beyond those features that theclaim expressly recites.

No embodiment of method steps or product elements described in thepresent application constitutes the invention claimed herein, or isessential to the invention claimed herein, or is coextensive with theinvention claimed herein, except where it is either expressly stated tobe so in this specification or (with respect to a claim and theinvention defined by that claim) expressly recited in that claim.

Any preambles of the claims that recite anything other than a statutoryclass shall be interpreted to recite purposes, benefits and possibleuses of the claimed invention, and such preambles shall not be construedto limit the claimed invention.

The present disclosure is not a literal description of all embodimentsof the invention. Also, the present disclosure is not a listing offeatures of the invention which must be present in all embodiments.

All disclosed embodiments are not necessarily covered by the claims(even including all pending, amended, issued and canceled claims). Inaddition, a disclosed embodiment may be (but need not necessarily be)covered by several claims. Accordingly, where a claim (regardless ofwhether pending, amended, issued or canceled) is directed to aparticular embodiment, such is not evidence that the scope of otherclaims do not also cover that embodiment.

Devices that are described as in communication with each other need notbe in continuous communication with each other, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit toeach other as necessary or desirable, and may actually refrain fromexchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine incommunication with another machine via the Internet may not transmitdata to the other machine for long period of time (e.g. weeks at atime). In addition, devices that are in communication with each othermay communicate directly or indirectly through one or moreintermediaries. Devices are in communication with one another if theyare capable of at least one-way communication with one another. Forexample, a first device is in communication with a second device if thefirst device is capable of transmitting information to the seconddevice. Similarly, the second device is in communication with the firstdevice if the second device is capable of receiving information from thefirst device.

A description of an embodiment with several components or features doesnot imply that all or even any of such components or features arerequired. On the contrary, a variety of optional components aredescribed to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of thepresent invention. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no componentor feature is essential or required.

Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be described orclaimed in a particular sequential order, such processes may beconfigured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence ororder of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed does notnecessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in thatorder. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in anyorder possible. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneouslydespite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously(e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover,the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does notimply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations andmodifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process orany of its steps are necessary to the invention, and does not imply thatthe illustrated process is preferred.

Although a process may be described as including a plurality of steps,that does not imply that all or any of the steps are preferred,essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of thedescribed invention include other processes that omit some or all of thedescribed steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step isessential or required.

Although a process may be described singly or without reference to otherproducts or methods, in an embodiment the process may interact withother products or methods. For example, such interaction may includelinking one business model to another business model. Such interactionmay be provided to enhance the flexibility or desirability of theprocess.

Although a product may be described as including a plurality ofcomponents, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features, thatdoes not indicate that any or all of the plurality are preferred,essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of thedescribed invention include other products that omit some or all of thedescribed plurality.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unlessexpressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an enumerated list of items(which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of theitems are comprehensive of any category, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. For example, the enumerated list “a computer, a laptop, and aPDA” does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list aremutually exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three itemsof that list are comprehensive of any category.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are equivalent to each other orreadily substituted for each other.

All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply that the invention orany embodiments were made or performed, as the case may be.

V. Computing

It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that thevarious processes described herein may be implemented by, e.g.,appropriately programmed general purpose computers, special purposecomputers and computing devices. Typically a processor (e.g., one ormore microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digitalsignal processors) will receive instructions (e.g., from a memory orlike device), and execute those instructions, thereby performing one ormore processes defined by those instructions. Instructions may beembodied in, e.g., one or more computer programs, one or more scripts.

The term “compute” shall mean to determine using a processor inaccordance with a software algorithm.

A “processor” means one or more microprocessors, central processingunits (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signalprocessors, graphics processing units (GPUs) or like devices or anycombination thereof, regardless of the architecture (e.g., chip-levelmultiprocessing or multi-core, RISC, CISC, Microprocessor withoutInterlocked Pipeline Stages, pipelining configuration, simultaneousmultithreading, microprocessor with integrated graphics processing unit,GPGPU).

A “computing device” means one or more microprocessors, centralprocessing units (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digitalsignal processors, graphics card, mobile gaming device, or like devicesor any combination thereof, regardless of the architecture (e.g.,chip-level multiprocessing or multi-core, RISC, CISC, Microprocessorwithout Interlocked Pipeline Stages, pipelining configuration,simultaneous multithreading).

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of anapparatus for performing the process. The apparatus that performs theprocess can include, e.g., a processor and those input devices andoutput devices that are appropriate to perform the process. For example,a description of a process is a description of an apparatus comprising aprocessor and memory that stores a program comprising instructions that,when executed by the processor, direct the processor to perform themethod.

The apparatus that performs the process can include a plurality ofcomputing devices that work together to perform the process. Some of thecomputing devices may work together to perform each step of a process,may work on separate steps of a process, may provide underlying servicesthat other computing devices that may facilitate the performance of theprocess. Such computing devices may act under instruction of acentralized authority. In another embodiment, such computing devices mayact without instruction of a centralized authority. Some examples ofapparatus that may operate in some or all of these ways may include gridcomputer systems, cloud computer systems, peer-to-peer computer systems,computer systems configured to provide software as a service, and so on.For example, the apparatus may comprise a computer system that executesthe bulk of its processing load on a remote server but outputs displayinformation to and receives user input information from a local usercomputer, such as a computer system that executes VMware software.

Further, programs that implement such methods (as well as other types ofdata) may be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g.,computer readable media) in a number of manners. In some embodiments,hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or incombination with, some or all of the software instructions that canimplement the processes of various embodiments. Thus, variouscombinations of hardware and software may be used instead of softwareonly.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium, a plurality ofthe same, or a combination of different media, that participate inproviding data (e.g., instructions, data structures) which may be readby a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take manyforms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media,and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, opticalor magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media includedynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes themain memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire andfiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled tothe processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves,light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generatedduring radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications.Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magneticmedium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, papertape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM,an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrierwave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computercan read.

The term “tangible computer-readable medium” refers to a“computer-readable medium” that comprises a hardware component, such asoptical or magnetic disks.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carryingdata (e.g. sequences of instructions) to a processor. For example, datamay be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii) carried over awireless transmission medium; (iii) formatted and/or transmittedaccording to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such as Ethernet(or IEEE 802.3), wireless local area network communication defined bythe IEEE 802.11 specifications whether or not they are approved by theWiFi Alliance, SAP, ATP, Bluetooth™, and TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G;and/or (iv) encrypted to ensure privacy or prevent fraud in any of avariety of ways well known in the art.

The term “database” refers to any electronically-stored collection ofdata that is stored in a retrievable format.

The term “data structure” refers to a database in a hardware machinesuch as a computer.

The term “network” means a series of points or nodes interconnected bycommunication paths. For example, a network can include a plurality ofcomputers or communication devices interconnected by one or more wiredand/or wireless communication paths. Networks can interconnect withother networks and contain subnetworks.

The term “predetermined” means determined beforehand, e.g., before apresent time or a present action. For example, the phrase “displaying apredetermined value” means displaying a value that was determined beforethe act of displaying.

The term “condition” means (1) a premise upon which the fulfillment ofan agreement depends, or (2) something essential to the appearance oroccurrence of something else.

The term “transaction” means (1) an exchange or transfer of goods,services, or funds, or (2) a communicative action or activity involvingtwo parties or things that reciprocally affect or influence each other.

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of acomputer-readable medium storing a program for performing the process.The computer-readable medium can store (in any appropriate format) thoseprogram elements which are appropriate to perform the method. Forexample, a description of a process is a description of acomputer-readable storage medium that stores a program comprisinginstructions that, when executed by a processor, direct the processor toperform the method.

Just as the description of various steps in a process does not indicatethat all the described steps are required, embodiments of an apparatusinclude a computer or computing device operable to perform some (but notnecessarily all) of the described process.

Likewise, just as the description of various steps in a process does notindicate that all the described steps are required, embodiments of acomputer-readable medium storing a program or data structure include acomputer-readable medium storing a program that, when executed, cancause a processor to perform some (but not necessarily all) of thedescribed process.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed. Any illustrations ordescriptions of any sample databases presented herein are illustrativearrangements for stored representations of information. Any number ofother arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by, e.g.,tables illustrated in drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustratedentries of the databases represent exemplary information only; one ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the number and content ofthe entries can be different from those described herein. Further,despite any depiction of the databases as tables, other formats(including relational databases, object-based models and/or distributeddatabases) could be used to store and manipulate the data typesdescribed herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a databasecan be used to implement various processes, such as the describedherein. In addition, the databases may, in a known manner, be storedlocally or remotely from a device which accesses data in such adatabase.

Various embodiments can be configured to work in a network environmentincluding a computer that is in communication (e.g., via acommunications network) with one or more devices. The computer maycommunicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via any wired orwireless medium (e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, atelephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communicationsline, commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board systems, asatellite communications link, a combination of any of the above). Eachof the devices may themselves comprise computers or other computingdevices, such as those based on the Intel®, Pentium®, or Centrino™,Atom™ or Core™ processor, that are adapted to communicate with thecomputer. Any number and type of devices may be in communication withthe computer.

In an embodiment, a server computer or centralized authority may not benecessary or desirable. For example, the present invention may, in anembodiment, be practiced on one or more devices without a centralauthority. In such an embodiment, any functions described herein asperformed by the server computer or data described as stored on theserver computer may instead be performed by or stored on one or moresuch devices.

Where a process is described, in an embodiment the process may operatewithout any user intervention. In another embodiment, the processincludes some human intervention (e.g., a step is performed by or withthe assistance of a human).

As used herein, the term “encryption” refers to a process for obscuringor hiding information so that the information is not readilyunderstandable without special knowledge. The process of encryption maytransform raw information, called plaintext, into encrypted information.The encrypted information may be called ciphertext, and the algorithmfor transforming the plaintext into ciphertext may be referred to as acipher. A cipher may also be used for performing the reverse operationof converting the ciphertext back into plaintext. Examples of ciphersinclude substitution ciphers, transposition ciphers, and ciphersimplemented using rotor machines.

In various encryption methods, ciphers may require a supplementary pieceof information called a key. A key may consist, for example, of a stringof bits. A key may be used in conjunction with a cipher to encryptplaintext. A key may also be used in conjunction with a cipher todecrypt ciphertext. In a category of ciphers called symmetric keyalgorithms (e.g., private-key cryptography), the same key is used forboth encryption and decryption. The sanctity of the encryptedinformation may thus depend on the key being kept secret. Examples ofsymmetric key algorithms are DES and AES. In a category of cipherscalled asymmetric key algorithms (e.g., public-key cryptography),different keys are used for encryption and decryption. With anasymmetric key algorithm, any member of the public may use a first key(e.g., a public key) to encrypt plaintext into ciphertext. However, onlythe holder of a second key (e.g., the private key) will be able todecrypt the ciphertext back in to plaintext. An example of an asymmetrickey algorithm is the RSA algorithm.

VI. Continuing Applications

The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, anenabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some ofthese embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the presentapplication, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuingapplications that claim the benefit of priority of the presentapplication.

Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursue patents forsubject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed inthe present application.

VII. 35 U.S.C. §112, Paragraph 6

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the phrase “meansfor” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6,applies to that limitation.

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not include the phrase“means for” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. §112,paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation, regardless of whetherthat limitation recites a function without recitation of structure,material or acts for performing that function. For example, in a claim,the mere use of the phrase “step of” or the phrase “steps of” inreferring to one or more steps of the claim or of another claim does notmean that 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s).

With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified function inaccordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, the correspondingstructure, material or acts described in the specification, andequivalents thereof, may perform additional functions as well as thespecified function.

Computers, processors, computing devices and like products arestructures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such productscan be operable to perform a specified function by executing one or moreprograms, such as a program stored in a memory device of that product orin a memory device which that product accesses. Unless expresslyspecified otherwise, such a program need not be based on any particularalgorithm, such as any particular algorithm that might be disclosed inthe present application. It is well known to one of ordinary skill inthe art that a specified function may be implemented via differentalgorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms would be a meredesign choice for carrying out the specified function.

Therefore, with respect to a means or a step for performing a specifiedfunction in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, structurecorresponding to a specified function includes any product programmed toperform the specified function. Such structure includes programmedproducts which perform the function, regardless of whether such productis programmed with (i) a disclosed algorithm for performing thefunction, (ii) an algorithm that is similar to a disclosed algorithm, or(iii) a different algorithm for performing the function.

Where there is recited a means for performing a function that is amethod, one structure for performing this method includes a computingdevice (e.g., a general purpose computer) that is programmed and/orconfigured with appropriate hardware to perform that function.

Also included is a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer)that is programmed and/or configured with appropriate hardware toperform that function via other algorithms as would be understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art.

VIII. Disclaimer

Numerous references to a particular embodiment do not indicate adisclaimer or disavowal of additional, different embodiments, andsimilarly references to the description of embodiments which all includea particular feature do not indicate a disclaimer or disavowal ofembodiments which do not include that particular feature. A cleardisclaimer or disavowal in the present application will be prefaced bythe phrase “does not include” or by the phrase “cannot perform”.

IX. Incorporation By Reference

Any patent, patent application or other document referred to herein isincorporated by reference into this patent application as part of thepresent disclosure, but only for purposes of written description andenablement in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 1, and should inno way be used to limit, define, or otherwise construe any term of thepresent application, unless without such incorporation by reference, noordinary meaning would have been ascertainable by a person of ordinaryskill in the art. Such person of ordinary skill in the art need not havebeen in any way limited by any embodiments provided in the reference.Conversely, the definitions provided in this application should not beused to limit, define, or otherwise construe any term of any documentincorporated herein by reference. The definitions set forth explicitlyin this application are controlling notwithstanding the description ofparticular embodiments that may be incompatible with the definition(s).

Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of itself, imply anyendorsement of, ratification of or acquiescence in any statements,opinions, arguments or characterizations contained in any incorporatedpatent, patent application or other document, unless explicitlyspecified otherwise in this patent application.

X. Prosecution History

In interpreting the present application (which includes the claims), oneof ordinary skill in the art shall refer to the prosecution history ofthe present application, but not to the prosecution history of any otherpatent or patent application, regardless of whether there are otherpatent applications that are considered related to the presentapplication, and regardless of whether there are other patentapplications that share a claim of priority with the presentapplication.

XI. Alternative Technologies

It will be understood that the technologies described herein for making,using, or practicing various embodiments are but a subset of thepossible technologies that may be used for the same or similar purposes.The particular technologies described herein are not to be construed aslimiting. Rather, various embodiments contemplate alternate technologiesfor making, using, or practicing various embodiments.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the method withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. The method may include more,fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in anysuitable order without departing from the scope of the invention.

While this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodimentsand generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of theembodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does notconstrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterationsare also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdisclosure, as defined by the claims herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In at least one embodiment, the invention provides a system and methodof recreating an in-store jewelry shopping experience for a customer ata computer. The invention includes generating a live interactivecommunication session between the customer and a jewelry consultant. Theinvention also includes generating an interactive design tool tofacilitate the design of a unique ring setting.

In at least one embodiment, the invention provides a system and methodof displaying advertisements based on the user's actions. For example, auser may enter a text-based search for a particular geographic area, orbusinesses or points of interest (POI) associated with a geographicarea. After a map associated with the user's requested information isdisplayed, advertisements may subsequently be displayed based on theuser's interaction with the map, such as changing the location, viewingPOI or selecting particular search results.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, a system 100 in accordance with one aspect of theinvention includes a computer 110 containing a plurality of processors210, memory 220 and other components typically present in generalpurpose computers.

Memory 220 stores information accessible by at least one processor 210,including instructions 240 that may be executed by the processor 210 anddata 230 that may be retrieved, manipulated or stored by the processor.The memory may be of any type capable of storing information accessibleby the processor, such as a hard-drive, memory card, ROM, RAM, DVD,CD-ROM, write-capable, read-only memories and other computer media.

The processor may be any number of well known processors, such asprocessors from Intel Corporation. Alternatively, the processor may be adedicated controller such as an ASIC.

The instructions 240 may be any set of instructions to be executeddirectly (such as machine code) or indirectly (such as scripts) by theprocessor. In that regard, the terms “instructions,” “steps” and“programs” may be used interchangeably herein. The instructions alsofunction as an algorithm allowing the processor to perform the purposesintended by the instructions. The instructions may be stored in objectcode form for direct processing by the processor, or in any othercomputer language including scripts or collections of independent sourcecode modules that are interpreted on demand or compiled in advance.Functions, methods and routines of the instructions are explained inmore detail below.

Data 230 may be retrieved, stored or modified by processor 210 inaccordance with the instructions 240. For instance, although theinvention is not limited by any particular data structure, the data maybe stored in computer registers, in a relational database as a tablehaving a plurality of different fields and records, XML documents, orflat files. The data may also be formatted in any computer readableformat such as, but not limited to, binary values, ASCII or Unicode.Moreover, the data may comprise any information sufficient to identifythe relevant information, such as descriptive text, proprietary codes,pointers, references to data stored in other memories (including othernetwork locations) or information which is used by a function tocalculate the relevant data.

Although the processor and memory are functionally illustrated in FIG. 1within the same block, it will be understood by those of ordinary skillin the art that the processor and memory may actually comprise multipleprocessors and memories that may or may not be stored within the samephysical housing. For example, some of the instructions and data may bestored on removable CD-ROM and others within a read-only computer chip.Some or all of the instructions and data may be stored in a locationphysically remote from, yet still accessible by, the processor.Similarly, the processor may actually comprise a collection ofprocessors which may or may not operate in parallel.

In at least one embodiment, computer 110 is a server communicating withone or more client computers 150-151. Each client computer may beconfigured similarly to the server 110, with a processor, memory andinstructions. Each client computer 150-151 may be a personal computer,intended for use by a person 190-191, having all the internal componentsnormally found in a personal computer such as a central processing unit(CPU), display 160, CD-ROM, hard-drive, user input devices (for example,a mouse, keyboard, touch-screen or microphone), speakers, modem and/ornetwork interface device (telephone, cable or otherwise) and all of thecomponents used for connecting these elements to one another. Moreover,computers in accordance with the systems and methods described hereinmay comprise any device capable of processing instructions andtransmitting data to and from humans and other computers, includinggeneral purpose computers, network computers lacking local storagecapability, PDA's with modems and Internet-capable wireless phones.

The server 110 and client computers 150-151 are capable of direct andindirect communication, such as over a network 295. Although only a fewcomputers are depicted in FIGS. 1-2, it should be appreciated that atypical system can include a large number of connected computers, witheach different computer being at a different node of the network 295.The network, and intervening nodes, may comprise various configurationsand protocols including the Internet, intranets, virtual privatenetworks, wide area networks, local networks, private networks usingcommunication protocols proprietary to one or more companies, Ethernet,WiFi and HTTP. Such communication may be facilitated by any devicecapable of transmitting data to and from other computers, such as modems(e.g., dial-up or cable), networks and wireless interfaces. Server 110may be a web server.

Although certain advantages are obtained when information is transmittedor received as noted above, other aspects of the invention are notlimited to any particular manner of transmission of information. Forexample, in some aspects, the information may be sent via a medium suchas a disk, tape or CD-ROM. In other aspects, the information may betransmitted in a non-electronic format and manually entered into thesystem. Yet further, although some functions are indicated as takingplace on a server and others on a client, various aspects of theinvention may be implemented by a single computer having a singleprocessor.

The data 230 includes inventory database 270. Inventory database 270provides jewelry images 272 in response to requests for informationassociated with a particular jewelry item. The system and method is notlimited to a specific manner of expressing the location. For example,the location may be expressed in terms of street address, city name orlatitude/longitude.

The system and method is not limited to a particular type or format. Thejewelry images returned by the inventory database 270 may be a bitmap,vector file, or other image format. Inventory database 270 also mayinclude jewelry data 274. Jewelry data may be any relevant informationof interest to customers seeking to purchase a jewelry item. Forexample, where the jewelry item is a loose diamond, jewelry data 274 mayinclude: diamond shape, carat weight, color grading, clarity grading,depth percentage, table percentage, polish options, symmetry options,fluorescence options and exact measurements, price/carat, total price,girdle and lot number of the diamond.

Inventory database 270 also may include grading reports 276, which arestored as images. The grading reports may come from any number ofreputable diamond certification organizations, such as GIA (GemologicalInstitute of America), AGS (American Gem Society), EGL (EuropeanGemological Laboratory) and HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant or the DiamondHigh Council).

A user at computer 150 may request jewelry information by connecting toserver 110. For example, by logging into a website with a browser, auser may search specific information such as shape, cut, clarity orprice of a loose diamond.

FIG. 3 a illustrates how a screen in accordance with an aspect of thesystem and method may look when a customer searches for a loose diamond.In one embodiment, the website is open to the public for browsing. Inanother embodiment, the system requires that new customers firstregister by entering personal information and selecting a uniqueidentifier and a password. Once registered, the new customer is providedwith access to the inventory of the online jewelry store.

In at least one embodiment, the system sorts the available inventoryinto multiple categories. These categories may be displayed on theinitial page of the website. After a customer selects a category, thewebsite filters the inventory in accordance to the selected category.The customer may further edit the results by selecting one or moresubcategories. For example, if the customer selects a category of“diamonds,” then the website will present a selection of availablediamonds. The customer may further edit the selection of diamonds byselecting a subcategory of “round” shaped stones, so that the websitefilters the inventory of diamonds to present only round stones.

The category may include a type of finished jewelry piece, such asrings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, earrings, cuff links, moneyclips, key chains, and watches. The category also may include a type ofprecious gemstone, such as amethysts, diamonds, emeralds, opals, onyxes,pearls, rubies, and sapphires. Additionally, the category may include atype of precious metal, such as gold, platinum, silver and titanium. Thecategory also may include a special event or a gift recipient. Someexamples of special event categories may include an anniversary, abaptism, a birthday, an engagement, a first communion, a graduation, apush present for the birth of a child and a wedding. Examples of giftrecipient categories may include a fiancé/fiancée, a husband/wife, amother/father, a daughter/son, a grandmother/grandfather, aboss/secretary and a woman/man.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b illustrate an exemplary example in which the customeris shopping for a loose diamond. Although the customer in the exemplaryexample is shopping for a loose diamond that will be set in a ringsetting, the invention is not limited to selling loose diamonds alone.As described below, the invention is applicable to any item that mightbe sold by an online jewelry store.

In the exemplary example, the customer selects a category of “diamonds.”He is then directed to Inventory Search Page 300, which provides anumber of search parameters for further refining the search.

The search parameters may include search parameter 302 that comprisesthe available diamond shapes. Some examples of diamond shapes mayinclude round, pear, marquise, oval, heart, emerald, radiant, princess,cushion, Asscher and baguette shapes. The customer selects one or morediamond shapes to be included in his inventory search.

Inventory Search Page 300 also may include search parameters 304, 306and 308, which are directed to a desired range for, respectively, thecarat size, the color and the clarity of the diamond.

Any tool may be used for indicating the desired range. In at least oneembodiment, the customer enters alpha-numeric text into one or moresearch boxes. The search boxes may be directed to a minimum amount and amaximum amount. In at least one embodiment, each of the text boxes is adrop down box comprising a number of options relevant to the text box.For example, a drop down box for diamond color may provide the optionsof a D color to a Z color.

In at least one embodiment, the customer uses a sliding scale tool barto indicate his desired range. The sliding scale tool comprises twocursors located on either end of the sliding scale. The two cursorsrepresent the minimum and maximum indicators of the sliding scale. Byclicking on a cursor, the customer can move the cursor to mirror hisdesired minimum and maximum quantity. For example, if customer wishes topurchase a diamond that has a carat size between 1.6 carats and 2.0carats, then the customer would move the two cursors to bookend 1.6carats and 2 carats. Alternatively, the customer may enter the decimalnumbers 1.6 and 2.0 into, respectively, minimum box 310 and maximum box312 of search parameter 304.

Search parameter 306 is directed to at indicating the desired colorrange for a diamond. Typically, the color of a diamond is assesedthrough a grading scale that ranges from a notation of “D” (which refersto a completely colorless diamond) to a notation of “Z” (which refers toa diamond that is pale yellow or brown color). As described above, thecustomer may indicate his desired range via a variety of tools. Forexample, the customer may utilize a drop down box to indicate a minimumcolor of D in minimum box 314 and a maximum color of F in maximum box316. In another example, the customer types a letter that corresponds tohis desired minimum and maximum colors directly into boxes 314 and 316.

Additionally, the customer may indicate, using drop down box 318,whether he is interested in a “fancy colored” diamond, e.g. a diamondthat possess a desirable natural color. In at least one embodiment, dropdown box 318 offers the fancy color choices in order to increasingintensity, such as Faint, Very Light, Light, Fancy Light, Fancy, FancyIntense, Fancy Vivid, Fancy Dark, and Fancy Deep.

Search parameter 308 allows the customer to indicate the desired clarityrange. A diamond's clarity refers to the presence of identifyingcharacteristics or flaws on the stone. The flaws may be internal to thestone (or called inclusions). Some examples of inclusions may includeair bubbles, cracks, and non-diamond minerals found in the diamond.External or surface flaws to a diamond are called blemishes. Someexamples of blemishes may include scratches, pits, and chips on thediamond. Diamonds with none or few inclusions and blemishes have greaterclarity, and thus are more highly valued.

The most desirable clarity grading is an F (Flawless) or IF (Internallyflawless) diamond. A diamond with an F rating has no internal orexternal flaws, and thus it is extremely rare. Equally rare is an IFdiamond, which has some surface flaws, but no internal flaws. Next are“Very, Very Slightly Included” diamonds (VVS1 and VVS2) which containminute inclusions that are very difficult to detect under 10×magnification by a trained gemologist. The next level of clarity gradingis the “Very Slightly Included” diamonds (VS1 and VS2). These diamondshave minute inclusions that can be detected with difficulty under a 10×magnification. The next level of clarity grading are “Slightly Included”diamonds (SI1 and SI2), which contain minute inclusions that are easilydetected under a 10× magnification. The last level of grading is the“Included” (I1) diamonds that have noticeable flaws.

The customer may indicate a desired search range for the diamond'sclarity using any number of tools. In the exemplary example of FIG. 3,the customer enters the criteria in minimum box 320 and maximum box 322,which are drop down boxes with options that correspond to the variousclarity levels.

Inventory Search Page 300 also includes search parameter 324 whichallows the customer to select the type of grading report of the diamond.Diamond grading reports may come from any number of reputable diamondcertification organizations, such as GIA (Gemological Institute ofAmerica), AGS (American Gem Society), EGL (European GemologicalLaboratory) and HRD (Hoge Raad voor Diamant or the Diamond HighCouncil). Some organizations are valued more highly than others, thussearch parameter 334 provides the customer with an opportunity to limithis search to only diamonds possessing certain grading reports.

Although not shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, in at least one embodiment,Inventory Search Page 300 also offers a search parameter directed to thedesired price range for the diamond purchase.

Sort parameter 226 allows the customer to sort the search results inaccordance to the price of the diamond or any one of search parameters302, 304, 306, 308 and 324.

In at least one embodiment, customer wishes to view a specific diamond.In such instances, he can enter directly a unique identifier (i.e., thelot number) for that particular diamond in lot number box 328.

FIG. 3 b illustrates additional search options that customer may accesson Inventory Search Page 300. Advanced Search Options 330 is hidden onthe initial Inventory Search Page 300, but once the customer clicks onAdvanced Search Options 330, he is able to view a plurality ofadditional search parameters.

As shown in FIG. 3 b, Advanced Search Options 330 may offer additionalsearch parameters 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342 and 344, whichcorrespond, respectively, to cut options, depth percentage, tablepercentage, polish options, symmetry options, fluorescence options andexact measurements. However, Advanced Search Options 330 is not limitedto only search parameters 332-344, but rather, it may include anyrelevant search criteria.

Once the customer has finished specifying the desired criteria for hisinventor search, he selects search button 346 to submit the selectedsearch criteria. The system processes the submitted search criteria andreturns the results in table 400.

FIG. 4 a illustrates a set of search results displayed in a tabularformat 400. Table 400 displays the search results in a plurality of rows402-410. Each of rows 402-410 represents a particular diamond thatmatches to the customer's search criteria.

In at least one embodiment, each of rows 402-410 comprises informationthat is relevant to its corresponding jewelry item. Examples of relevantinformation may include, but not limited to, a photograph, a price, anda brief description of the jewelry item. Where the jewelry item is aloose diamond, the brief description may include the cut, clarity, colorand carat of the stone.

Each of rows 402-410 also includes certificate links 426-434, whichprovide the customer with an image view of the actual grading report ofthe diamond. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a detailed view of gradingreport 500 associated with diamond of row 402. The customer accessedgrading report 500 by clicking on corresponding certificate link 426.

Certificate 500 contains both quantitative information (e.g.,measurements of the weight and other physical dimensions of the diamond)and qualitative information (e.g., grades in three major areas of cut,clarity and color). Certificate 500 also may provide pictorial diagrams502 and 504, which illustrate the inclusion locations of the diamond.

Referring back to FIG. 4 a, customers may select one or more jewelryitems by clicking on check boxes 414-422. Check boxes 414-422 correspondto each of rows 402-410. Once the one or more jewelry items areselected, the customer has several options regarding the selected items.In at least one embodiment, the customer has the option of comparing atleast two selected jewelry items. In another embodiment, the customercan purchase the selected jewelry items. Still in another embodiment,the customer can request an interactive communication session with alive jewelry consultant in order to learn more about the selectedjewelry items.

To compare selected jewelry items, the customer selects at least twocheck boxes 414-422. In the exemplary example shown in FIG. 4 a, thecustomer selects check boxes 402, 406 and 410, and then he selectscompare button 412. The system filters the search results from table 400and displays only the diamonds associated with check boxes 402, 406 and410. The comparison results are displayed in table format, whichadvantageously allows the customer to differentiate between the selecteddiamonds in a single view. The customer is able to quickly determine thesimilarities and differences between each characteristic of the compareddiamonds, such as the shape, clarity or price of the diamond.

To purchase the selected jewelry item, the customer again selects one ormore jewelry items by checking corresponding boxes 414-422. The customerthen selects purchase button 424, which places the selected jewelryitems in an online shopping cart. The customer then has the option tocontinue shopping for additional jewelry items, or he may choose tocheck-out immediately.

If the customer selects to check-out immediately, the system transfersthe customer to a separate purchasing page. The purchasing page mayrequest payment information, such as a credit card number and billingaddress of the customer. The purchasing page also may inquire as to thedesired delivery option, the address of the recipient, and an indicationof whether the jewelry items are intended as gifts.

Where the jewelry items are intended as gifts, the purchasing pageprovides the option to gift wrap the purchased jewelry items beforeshipping to the gift recipient.

In at least one embodiment, the purchasing page also provides the optionof insuring the purchased jewelry items through a company thatspecializes in jewelry insurance. One advantage of providing insurancecoverage through specialized jewelry insurance is that the coverage maybe greater than a standard homeowners' policy. For example, thehomeowner's policy only may replace a lost or stolen ring, rather thanpaying a set cash amount. Furthermore, many individuals purchasingjewelry items online may not have the time or opportunity to obtaininsurance coverage immediately. By providing the option to purchasinginsurance, the purchasing page provides an additional convenience to thecustomer.

I. Interactive Communication Session with Jewelry Consultant

Referring back to FIG. 4 a, the customer also may desire to learn moreabout one or more jewelry items. For instance, the customer may wish toview a particular diamond under a microscope in order to see aparticular inclusion of the diamond. Furthermore, the customer also maywish to inquire a live expert regarding one or more jewelry items. Thus,the customer may wish to request an interactive communication sessionwith a jewelry consultant, e.g., by clicking on or otherwise selectingan indicia such as button 438. In at least one embodiment, the customerrequests the interactive communication session by clicking on a link.

In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant is a certifiedgemologist. In at least another embodiment, the jewelry consultant is asales associate with knowledge of (and/or access to information about)one or more items in the inventory, but does not hold any certification.

The customer may select one or more jewelry items by selecting (e.g., bychecking) corresponding boxes 414-422. To request an interactivecommunication session, the customer may then select InteractiveCommunication Session button 438. In response, the system generates arequest that is submitted to the online jewelry store.

A customer may request an interactive communication session at any pointduring the purchasing process. In at least one embodiment, the customerrequests an interactive communication session at the beginning of thepurchasing process. For example, the customer may be an inexperiencedshopper with many questions regarding the diamond purchasing process. Hemay seek the counsel of a jewelry consultant to guide him through theselections.

In another embodiment, the customer requests the interactivecommunication session in the middle of the purchasing process. Forexample, the customer may wish to view an inclusion of the diamond underthe microscope, e.g., to determine the degree or extent to which theinclusion is visible to the eye, e.g., under varying degrees ofmagnification. He also may wish to see a quality-related test beingperformed on a particular jewelry item, or to see or inspect the resultsof one or more such tests. In another example, the customer also mayrequest that the jewelry consultant provide a relative comparison of aselected diamond against a benchmark item, such as a coin or anotherdiamond (e.g., to provide a relative size, color, shape, or cutcomparison).

In yet another embodiment, the customer requests the interactivecommunication session towards the end of the purchasing process. In thisexample, the customer may have narrowed down his purchasing options totwo similar diamonds and may wish to obtain a side-by-side comparison ofthe two stones.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an interactive communicationsession between the customer and a jewelry consultant. Once the customerhas selected button 438 to request an interactive communication session,client terminal 600 automatically sends the request over communicationchannel 602 to request handling system 604. The request includes aunique identifier for each jewelry item of interest. In at least oneembodiment, the unique identifier is the lot number of a diamond.

In at least one embodiment, client terminal 600 is a desktop computerthat comprises video camera 606 that is capable of transmitting videoimages. Client terminal 600 also may include videoconferencing software608 which facilitates the interactive communication session between thecustomer and the jewelry consultant. The client terminal may alsocomprise monitor 610 that is capable of displaying received video imagesand outputting audio sound from the interactive communication session.In at least one embodiment, monitor 610 also displays the websitesimultaneously with the video images from the interactive communicationsession.

In at least one embodiment, the interactive communications session isone-way, in that only the customer can see the jewelry consultant. Insuch instances, the customer may have the option to turn off videocamera 606. In another embodiment, client terminal 600 does not have avideo camera.

In at least one embodiment, the customer wishes to schedule theinteractive communication session a later time; as such, the customermay include a desired date and time in his request for interactivecommunication session.

In one embodiment, request handling system 604 randomly assigns thecustomer to a first available jewelry consultant. In another embodiment,the customer specifies a particular jewelry consultant for theinteractive communication session. The customer may include the name ofthe consultant in the request that is submitted to request handlingsystem 604. For example, the customer may have developed a positiveworking experience with a particular jewelry consultant. Thus, thecustomer may wish to continue working with this same jewelry consultant.In another example, the customer may wish to specify a particularjewelry consultant based on a personal reference or recommendation.

In at least one embodiment, the customer selects a jewelry consultantbased on the jewelry consultant's public profile, which is displayed onthe website. The public profile may include a photograph of theindividual and a biography of the individual's background. The biographymay include all relevant work experiences, the type of diamondcertifications held by the individual, and any professional associationsand affiliations of the jewelry consultant.

In at least one embodiment, the customer provides a “blacklist” ofjewelry consultants to request handling system 604. The blacklistincludes the names of jewelry consultants with whom the customer doesnot wish to schedule an interactive communication session. For example,the customer may have experienced an unpleasant encounter with aparticular jewelry consultant, and as such, he may desire to avoidworking that individual in all future transactions.

In at least one embodiment, the customer does not specify the name ofthe jewelry consultant, but instead, he provides one or more desiredcriteria for the jewelry consultant. For example, the customer mightindicate that he wishes to meet with a female jewelry consultant. Inmatching the customer with a jewelry consultant, request handling system604 would take into account the customer's desired criteria and matchthe customer with the first available jewelry consultant having thedesired criteria traits.

In some embodiments, the customer may review a plurality of profiles(e.g., of available consultants) and select a consultant based on theprofiles. The customer may also search for a plurality of profiles basedon one or more criteria, such as years of experience, education level ofthe consultant (e.g., bachelor's degree or other degree), location ofthe consultant (e.g., the New York diamond district, or a locationwithin a certain number of miles of the customer), native language ofthe consultant, special technology available to the consultant (e.g., aspecific type of microscope or set of tests that can be performed orinterpreted by the consultant), customer review scores of theconsultant, and other criteria. In at least one embodiment, the customerindicates a level of experience of the jewelry. For example, thecustomer may wish to meet with a certified gemologist, rather than asales associate. The customer also might indicate the type ofcertification held by the jewelry consultant, such as only AGS certifiedindividuals. The customer also may wish to meet with jewelry consultantsthat have at least 10 years of experience.

In at least one embodiment, the website provides the sales figures foreach jewelry consultant. The website also may include additionaldetails, such as the quantity of transactions conducted by a jewelryconsultant for a specific type of gemstone or a specific type offinished jewelry piece. For example, the website may indicate thatJewelry Consultant A is an expert in diamond engagement rings, whereasJewelry Consultant B specializes in watches. Using the providedinformation, the customer may choose to work with a jewelry consultantthat has the highest number of transactions in a particular type offinished jewelry pieces, such as diamond engagement rings. The customermay decide to work with this individual because he believes the jewelryconsultant has the most relevant experience pertaining to his purchase.

In at least one embodiment, the website allows previous customers towrite a review for each jewelry consultant. The website also may allowprevious customers to rank each jewelry consultant, such as awarding oneto five stars to the individual. The ranks also may encompass variouscategories directed to customer service, knowledge of the inventory,responsiveness to follow-up questions and timeliness for the interactivecommunication session. The reviews and rankings may be published on thewebsite next to each jewelry consultants' profiles. In one example, thecustomer selects a jewelry consultant based on the ranking and reviewsposted.

In at least one embodiment, the website sets up parameters to ensure theintegrity of the rank and review process. A customer may be providedwith a unique identification code for a particular jewelry consultant atthe end of an interactive communication session with that individual.Only customers with the unique identification code may review and rankthat particular jewelry consultant. Such a system helps ensure theintegrity of the rank and review process.

As shown in FIG. 6, request handling system 604 identifies a jewelryconsultant for the customer. Request handling system 604 then sends therequest to the jewelry consultant's workstation 612. In at least oneembodiment, the jewelry consultant may accept the request by clicking ona button or a link to indicate that he is available for the requesteddate and time of the interactive communication session. Jewelryconsultant workstation 612 then transmits an indication of the jewelryconsultant's acceptance back to request handling system 604. Inresponse, request handling system 604 generates an interactivecommunication session between client terminal 600 and workstation 612 atthe requested date and time.

In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant is not available forthe interactive communication session at the requested date and time.For example, the jewelry consultant may be helping another customer. Inanother example, the selected jewelry items are unavailable at therequested date and time. The selected jewelry items may need to beretrieved from an off-site location. In such instances, the jewelryconsultant may click on a button or a link to indicate that he isunavailable for the requested interactive communication session.Workstation 612 then transmits an indication of the jewelry consultant'sunavailability back to request handling system 604. The customer thenhas the option of either meeting with a different jewelry consultant orsuggesting an alternative date and time for the interactivecommunication session.

Jewelry consultant's workstation 612 may comprise a computing devicethat is connected to monitor 614, which displays received video imagesand audio files from client terminal 600. Workstation 612 also comprisesvideoconferencing software 616, which facilitates the interactivecommunication session between the jewelry consultant and the customer.Workstation 612 also comprises video camera 618 which is capable ofcapturing and transmitting video images that are transmitted overcommunication channel 602 to client terminal 600.

Furthermore, workstation 612 comprises microscope 620, which isconnected to a separate video camera 622. After jewelry consultantplaces the selected jewelry items underneath microscope 620, microscopevideo camera 622 captures and transmits video images of the selectedjewelry items. The video images are transmitted over communicationchannel 602 and displayed on monitor 610 at client terminal 600.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrates how the screen on the customer's monitor610 may look during an interactive communication session with thejewelry consultant. In FIG. 7 a, website 700 of the on-line jewelrystore shifts to the background of the screen and video box 702 appearsin the forefront of the screen. Through video box 702, the customer isable to view the selected diamonds, speak directly with the jewelryconsultant and witness first-hand any tests or comparisons conducted bythe jewelry consultant at his workstation 612.

In FIG. 7 b, video box 704 displays the captured images from microscopevideo camera 622. When video box 704 appears in the forefront of thescreen, video box 702 of the jewelry consultant is minimized to a cornerof the screen. Website 700 remains in the background. In at least oneembodiment, the customer may toggle between each of the applications(e.g. website 700, video box 702, video box 704). The toggling mayoccurred via a “Tab” button, or the toggling may occur through theclicking of a mouse, or other means.

In at least one embodiment, the customer verbally instructs the jewelryconsultant to adjust the settings on microscope 620. For example, thecustomer may wish to have microscope 620 magnify the jewelry or aparticular part of the jewelry, such as an inclusion on a diamond. Thejewelry consultant would adjust the position of the diamond undermicroscope 620 and zoom in on the inclusion. Microscope video camera 622captures the images and transmits the images over communication channel602 to client terminal 600. The attachment of microscope video camera622 to microscope 620 advantageously provides the customer with accessthe same information that he would have received at an actual store. Thecustomer may request greater or lesser magnification (e.g., a specificamount of magnification such as 5× or 20×), and may request to focus ondifferent parts of the jewelry (such as the top, middle, bottom, aparticular facet, etc.).

In another embodiment, the customer has the ability to remotely controlmicroscope 620 from client terminal 600. The customer may have controlsto remotely set any parameter of the microscope. For example, usingvirtual buttons located at client terminal 600, the customer maycommunicate instructions directly to microscope 620. For example, thecustomer may wish to obtain a magnified view of a jewelry item. He thencommunicates directly with microscope 620 in order to instructmicroscope 620 to zoom into the jewelry item. In at least oneembodiment, the virtual buttons comprise directional arrows, which allowthe customer to adjust the location of the viewfinder on microscope 620.In another embodiment, the virtual buttons comprise a zoom-in button andzoom-out button, which facilitate the magnification underneathmicroscope 620. In yet another embodiment, the virtual buttons comprisea text box where the customer may type in the desired angle of theviewfinder. The customer may also adjust the focal point of themicroscope to view different depths of a jewelry item (e.g., to focus onthe top surface of a gem, the middle of a gem, or the bottom of a gem,for example).

In at least one embodiment, the customer examines the diamond undermicroscope 620 in order to confirm that the certificate number engravedon the diamond matches the certified grading report that is on file forthe diamond. This process gives confidence to the customer that he isbeing shown the actual diamond that he requested.

In at least one embodiment, workstation 612 comprises lighting device624. Lighting device 624 may comprises a plurality of different lightsources, such as an ultraviolet light source, a fluorescent lightsource, an incandescent light source, neon light source, a blacklightsource, and a LED light source. Each light source produces a differentquality of light, which when shone on the selected jewelry item(especially a gemstone) will produce a different effect.

The customer may request different lighting conditions for viewing thejewelry, such as lighting conditions that simulate daylight,candlelight, typical office work conditions, and other lightingconditions. In at least one embodiment, the customer may ask to view thediamond under a ultra-violet (UV) light-source. When diamonds are viewedunder a ultra-violet (UV) light-source, they tend to fluoresce as blueor violet-blue. Because natural fluorescence can help an off-coloreddiamond appears as a higher grade, a customer may wish to view aselected diamond under a UV light source in order to identify thefluorescence.

Lighting device 624 also may generate different lighting effects inorder to replicate the lighting at a particular time of day. Forexample, by altering the intensity and color of the emitted light,lighting device 624 attempts to replicate the lighting conditions ofmorning, afternoon, and evening light. In another embodiment, lightingdevice 624 replicates the lighting effects of a particular location,such as natural sunlight or indoor light. Such lighting effects allowthe customer to gain a better understand of how a particular jewelryitem might appear outside the near ideal lighting conditions of ajewelry store.

In at least one embodiment, the customer verbally instructs the jewelryconsultant to adjust lighting device 624. In another embodiment, thecustomer is able to remotely control lighting device 624 via clientterminal 600.

In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant has a stationaryviewing booth device, which helps the jewelry consultant to demonstratecolor differences for the customer. The stationary viewing booth may usephosphor day lamps in order to replicate fluorescent daylight. Oneexample of a stationary viewing booth is the GretagMacbeth Judge IIViewing Booth.

II. Side-by-Side Comparison

During the interactive communication session, the customer may request aside-by-side comparison of various jewelry items. A customer may wish tocompare two diamonds that have the same characteristics (as listed undertable 400) but with different price tags. During the interactivecommunication session, the customer learns that despite having the samecarat weight, color and clarity, the two diamonds do not shareequivalent values due to a number of other factors, which are not easilydiscernable by numbers. These factors may include the placement of theinclusion, the color the inclusion, the cut of the diamond all come intoplay when determining the value of a diamond. While this information isdifficult to ascertain from table 400 alone, the information is easilydemonstrated during the live interactive communication session. Forinstance, the customer may see first hand the placement of the inclusionunder microscope 620.

A customer also may wish to compare two diamonds of differentcharacteristics, such as different carat size, color or clarity. Forexample, a customer may have difficulty grasping the difference betweena F color and a G color. Thus, the jewelry consultant can demonstratethe differences between the characteristics during the live interactivecommunication session.

Additionally, a customer may wish to discern whether a diamond with theless desirable characteristic (e.g., smaller carat size, lower clarity)is noticeably different from the diamond with the more desirablecharacteristic. For example, the customer may witness firsthand that a1.8 carat diamond is not noticeably different from a 2 carat diamond dueto the way the smaller diamond was cut.

III. Relative Size Comparison

In at least one embodiment, the customer may request a relative-sizecomparison of the selected jewelry items during the interactivecommunication session. The customer may wish to compare the jewelry itemagainst a benchmark item in order to determine the actual size of thejewelry item. For example, the jewelry consultant may place a 2 caratdiamond next to a dime, in order to help the customer understand therelative size of the diamond. The jewelry consultant places both thejewelry item and the benchmark item in front of video camera 620, andthe video images of both items are transmitted over communicationschannel 602 to be displayed on monitor 610.

Any number of objects may be used as a benchmark item. The benchmarkitem may be a common everyday item, such as a coin, a thimble, a cellphone or a paperclip. The benchmark item also may be a ruler or gridwith numeric markings.

In at least one embodiment, the customer instructs the jewelryconsultant to use a specific type of benchmark instrument. For example,a foreign customer may request the use of a coin from his country oforigin.

In another embodiment, the benchmark item is an “average sized” diamond.A customer may be concerned about not purchasing a stone that isconsidered “too small” by his fiancée and her peers. Thus, the customermay ask the jewelry consultant to show him the “average-sized diamond”,i.e., the most commonly purchased diamond size. The customer may wish tocompare his selected diamonds against the average-sized diamond, inorder to determine whether his selections are too small.

In at least one embodiment, relative-size is demonstrated through theuse of a hand model. The hand model may be made from plastic, wax orsome other synthetic material. The hand model also may be constructed ina similar fashion to that of a mannequin hand.

The hand model may come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes. Sizeincrements may include petite, small, medium, large and extra-large. Thehand model may be crafted to mirror the dimensions of the average femalehand or the average male hand. The hand model also may be crafted tomirror the dimensions of a child-sized hand and an adult-sized hand. Thehand model also may come with different finger lengths and sizes, in anattempt to more accurately mirror the customer or the gift recipient'shand. The hand model also may be constructed in a variety of skin tones.

During the interactive communication session, the jewelry consultant mayselect a hand model that most closely matches the customer or the giftrecipient. The jewelry consultant may place the selected jewelry item,such a diamond engagement ring, on the hand model in order to help thecustomer visualize how the jewelry item would look on the giftrecipient. For example, the customer may determine, after inspecting aselected diamond ring on a hand model, that the selected diamond appearstoo small on the hand model. In another example, the customer may wishto use the hand model to determine the most attractive shape of adiamond. The customer may determine that an oval diamond bestaccentuates a hand with long, slender fingers. Still in another example,the hand model may be used to determine which metal band bestaccommodates a particular skin tone. The customer may determine that ayellow-gold band is unflattering against a yellow-based skin tone, andas a result, he may decide to purchase a platinum band instead.

In at least one embodiment, the hand model is provided by a live person.The

IV. Various Tests Conducted

Referring back to FIG. 6, the jewelry consultant also performs a varietyof tests on the jewelry item during the interactive communicationsession. The tests may be quality-related tests. The quality-relatedtests may be used to demonstrate or highlight specific characteristicsof a jewelry item. The quality-related tests also may provide additionalinformation that is not available in a standard grading report. Thejewelry consultant also may conduct authenticity-related tests that seekto verify the authenticity of a jewelry item, such as a diamond.

In at least one embodiment, the tests are conducted during theinteractive communication session in real-time. In such instances, thenecessary tools and devices for conducting the tests are available atthe jewelry consultant's workstation 612. The customer witnesses thetest being performed by the jewelry consultant in real-time. In someembodiments, the customer may simply request or view the results of oneor more tests which may have been conducted in advance of thecommunication session. For example, such test results may be stored andaccessible via the profile of the jewelry item.

The tests also may generate a variety of test results. Such test resultsmay include reports, images and measurement results. In at least oneembodiment, the test results are displayed simultaneously on the jewelryconsultant's monitor 614 and the customer's monitor 610. In anotherembodiment, the jewelry consultant electronically sends the test resultsto the customer's client terminal 600.

FIGS. 7 c and 7 d illustrate how the screen on the customer's monitor610 may look after receiving the test results. In FIG. 7 c, video box706 displays the view of a diamond during a Hearts & Arrows test. Videobox 704 of the microscope and video box 702 of the jewelry consultantalso are displayed on the screen, although in a minimized capacity.Website 700 remains in the background. In at least one embodiment, thecustomer may toggle between each of the applications (e.g. website 700,video box 702, video box 704, video box 706). The toggling may occurredvia a “Tab” button, or the toggling may occur through the clicking of amouse or other means.

FIG. 7 d illustrates a different view of the screen on customer'smonitor 610. Here, the screen is partitioned in various sections. Eachof the sections is devoted to a particular application, such as website700, video box 702, video box 704, video box 706. In at least oneembodiment, the addition of an application results in a new video boxbeing added to the screen.

In at least one embodiment, the tests are performed by technicians inadvance of the interactive communication session. If the customerrequests information from any of theses tests, the jewelry consultantretrieves the test results from a database and electronically sends thetest results to the customer.

In another embodiment, the tests are being performed by off-sitetechnicians in tandem with the interactive communication session. If acustomer requests information from any of these tests, the jewelryconsultant will submit a request for the test results. Once the testsare completed, the technical will electronically send the test resultsto both the jewelry consultant workstation 612 and the customer's clientterminal 600.

A. Quality-Related Tests

As described above, quality-related tests may be performed during theinteractive communication session. In at least one embodiment, thejewelry consultant may wish to demonstrate the quality of a diamond'scut.

For example, the jewelry consultant places the diamond under anIdeal-scope. The Ideal-scope uses a lens with a hot red/pink reflectorthat is positioned in front of the diamond under a central viewing hole.The viewer is able to see how much of the red/pink light refracts backfrom the diamond. The resulting pattern will provide an indication ofthe facet proportion and symmetry. Thus, the Ideal-scope is used togauge the brilliance of a diamond. The white areas in a diamond showlight transmitted from behind the diamond (or leakage). The blackness ofthe lens mimics an observer's head blocking out the light. Generally,the most brilliant diamonds look bright pink/red with a black star andminimal white or pale areas. For example, a diamond with perfectsymmetry and good proportions will show a black eight-pointed star.

In another example, the jewelry consultant tests the cut quality of thediamond through an ASET (Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tool) test. TheASET may either be a desktop or a handheld device. Similar to theIdeal-scope, the ASET test is used to demonstrate the light performanceof a diamond. However, unlike the Ideal-scope, the ASET uses a tri-colorfilter that gives light being reflected at different angles a differentcolor. As a result, the ASET device provides a color-coded map of lightusage by a diamond.

For example, in the generated ASET image, blue areas are the darkcontrast areas observed in a diamond due of obscuration (e.g., a head inthe way). In ASET the configuration is intended to represent lightcoming from 75 degrees to 90 degrees. In the AGS metric, a well-maderound brilliant diamond should have about 18% blue content. Redrepresents the most desirable color in the image. The red color isintended to be light coming from 45 degrees to 75 degrees—it is notobscured so it is producing the brightness via the most direct light.Green light comes from the horizon to 45 degrees, and is usuallyreflected light and of lower quality. Black (or white if using whitebacklighting) areas in the diamond represent areas of non-reflection orleakage.

As shown in FIG. 7 c, in at least one embodiment, the image generated bytesting with an ASET device automatically appears on the customer'smonitor screen 610. The jewelry consultant may then send an electroniccopy of the ASET image over communication channel 602 to the customer'sclient terminal 600. In another embodiment, both the jewelry consultantand customer receive at their respective terminals, 612 and 610, theASET image from a third party. In yet another example, only the jewelryconsultant has receive the ASET test results, and the jewelry consultantelectronically sends the results to the customer's terminal 612 overcommunications channel 602.

In at least one embodiment, the quality-related test is a “Hearts andArrows” test. The term “Hearts & Arrows” is a description used by thediamond industry to refer to diamonds that exhibit a crisp and completepattern of hearts and arrows under certain lighting conditions. TheHearts & Arrows test can be used to demonstrate a high quality of a cutand the polish of a diamond. Often, in order to create an optimum Hearts& Arrows effect in a diamond, a diamond cutter must be willing tosacrifice expensive rough diamond material (i.e., lose significantpercentage of costly rough stone) to yield a smaller diamond of superiorquality. Due to the complexity of the cut that is required to generate aHearts & Arrows diamond, these diamonds cost more to produce thanstandard round cut diamonds.

In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant places the selecteddiamond underneath a Hearts & Arrows viewer. If all the facets of thediamond are precisely aligned under the viewer, then the Hearts & Arrowseffect is clearly displayed. When the diamond is viewed the top (or thetable of the diamond), an effect of arrows should be seen. When thediamond is viewed from the bottom (or pavilion of the diamond), aneffect of hearts should be seen. A high quality Hearts & Arrows diamondexhibits a pattern that is vivid, symmetrical and clearly formed. On theother hand, diamonds with less than ideal cuts will display only apartial pattern underneath the viewer, or an otherwise less well-defined“hearts and arrows” pattern. Less than ideal diamonds also may exhibit apattern that is not crisp and sharp. These diamonds also may depicthearts and arrows of differing, asymmetrical sizes.

In at least one embodiment, a video camera is attached to the Hearts &Arrows viewer. Images generated from the Hearts & Arrows viewer aretransmitted over communication channel 602 and displayed on monitor 610at client terminal 600. Thus, the customer is able to remotely view andevaluate for himself the quality of the Hearts & Arrows pattern of aparticular diamond.

In another embodiment, in response to a request submitted by thecustomer before or during a communication session, the jewelryconsultant places the diamond in a measurement system, such as the SarinDiaScan S+™. The measurement system generates a plurality of electronictest results, among which include a copy of the Hearts & Arrows pattern.The jewelry consultant may then send an electronic copy of the Hearts &Arrows pattern over communication channel 602 to the customer's clientterminal 600.

During the interactive communication session, the jewelry consultantalso may test the color and fluorescence of the diamond. In at least oneembodiment, the diamond is placed under a light performance analyzer.Using high-tech algorithms, the light performance analyzer calculatesthe color of the diamond and measures its fluorescence. The jewelryconsultant may use the light performance analyzer to demonstrate andcompare the color quality of the selected diamonds.

For example, a customer may wish to purchase a “near colorless” diamond,rather than a “colorless” diamond. However, the customer may beconcerned about his fiancée detecting the difference. To reassure thecustomer, the jewelry consultant may provide the customer with aside-by-side comparison of a colorless diamond and near colorlessdiamond. The customer may watch, via monitor 610, the jewelry consultantperform the test on each stone. As such, the jewelry consultantdemonstrates that despite the color grade difference, it is nearimpossible to determine the actual difference by the naked eye. Thecustomer is able to confirm this assessment via monitor 610 as well.Some example of diamond light performance analyzers are the SarinColibri™ device or OGI MegaFire device.

In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant performs acolor-quality test using a device called the Zvi Yehuda Colorimeter. TheYehuda colorimeter may be used alone, or it can be connected to aportable rough analyzer, such as the OGI Tender device.

In some embodiments, the customer may request a test or lightingconditions to demonstrate any fluorescence of a gem such as a diamond.In response, the gemologist may cause an ultraviolet light source suchas a black light to be shined on the diamond to demonstrate itsfluorescence, which may be displayed via video feed to the customer.Such fluorescence may be demonstrated with reference to one or morereference gemstones, such as similar sized diamonds having no, light,medium, and strong blue fluorescence.

Another quality-related test evaluates the quality of a diamond's cutand proportion. In at least one embodiment, the diamond is placed undera diamond proportion analyzer, which generates a variety of reportsabout the diamond's proportions. The reports may contain informationabout the diamond's weight, diameter, depth, crown angle, crown height,pavilion angle, pavilion height, cutlet size, culet off center, tablesize, table off center, stars, lower girdle and upper girdle.

In at least one embodiment, the quality-related tests are conducted by acomprehensive measurement system. The measurement system is capable ofadministering multiple quality-related tests. For example, the SarinDiaScan S+™ is a device that performed a combination of theabove-described tests. The DiaScan device demonstrates the proportion ofthe diamond and provides a complete three dimensional profile of thediamond. The device also provides a cut grading report for the diamond.Additionally, the device provides a photorealistic view of the Hearts &Arrows pattern as well.

In some embodiments, a customer may request cut score measurements basedon the “Holloway Cut Advisor” (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,251,619) basedon various measurements of a diamond, such as crown angle and pavilionangle. Such score may be calculated, and the Holloway Cut Advisorinformation may be provided to the customer.

In at least one embodiment, the test results from any of theabove-described tests are simultaneously displayed on the jewelryconsultant's monitor 614 and the customer's monitor 610. In anotherembodiment, the jewelry consultant obtains an electronic copy of thetest results and sends the electronic copy over communications channel402 to client terminal 600.

B. Authenticity-Related Tests

In addition to quality-related tests, the jewelry consultant also mayconduct tests that confirm the authenticity of a selected diamond.

In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant uses an electronicthermal probe to test the thermal conductivity of a diamond. Since realdiamonds possess superlative thermal conductivity, the thermal probeallows the jewelry consultants to distinguish a real diamond fromvarious imitators, such as Cubic Zirconia (CZ).

In some embodiments, the thermal probes consist of a pair ofbattery-powered thermistors mounted in a fine copper tip. One of thethermistors functions as a heating device while the other thermistormeasures the temperature of the copper tip. If the stone being tested isa diamond, the thermal probe will conduct the tip's thermal energyrapidly enough to produce a measurable temperature drop. On the otherhand, because many imitation diamonds, such as CZ, are thermalinsulators, these imitators will fail to conduct the thermistor's heat.

In at least one embodiment, the thermal probes are highly sensitive andthus capable of distinguishing between a diamond and Moissanite (animitation diamond stimulant that has a thermal conductivity similar to adiamond). The thermal probe also may have enough sensitivity todistinguish whether an imitator has been coated with a nano diamondcoating, which is an extremely thin layer of diamond material.

Another authenticity-related test is conducted by a refractometer. Thejewelry consultant uses a refractometer to determine the type of mineralor gem. The refractometer precisely measures a gemstone's refractiveindex (RI) and compares the RI number with the inherent refractive indexof the mineral. For example, a jewelry consultant may use arefractometer to distinguish between a colorless sapphire (low RI) and adiamond (high RI) by comparing the refractive indices generated by therefractometer.

In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant also uses a Gemeter(or Jemeter) to measure the refractive index of faceted gemstones. TheGemeter uses a laser-like beam of radiation to reflect off of a facet ofthe gemstone. The top layers of atoms are scanned by placing the facetdirectly over the examination disc. The jewelry consultant evaluates thegenerated RI in order to distinguish a diamond from an imitation stone.

In at least one embodiment, a video camera is attached to theIdeal-scope, so that video images of the gemstone under the Ideal-scopeare transmitted to the customer's monitor 610. Thus, the customer atclient terminal 600 is able to view the resulting pattern and evaluatefirsthand the refraction of the red/pink light from the diamond.

In at least another embodiment, the jewelry consultant uses apolariscope to test the gemstone of interest. The polariscope uses twopolarizing filters orientated at right angles to each other. Thegemstone is placed between the two polarizing filters. The polariscopealso may have a built-in light source underneath the bottom filter. Ajewelry consultant uses the polariscope to evaluate whether a gemstoneis single refracting, such as a diamond, or double refracting, such as aCZ or Moissanite. In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultantuses the polariscope to detect any stresses with in the gemstone'smaterials.

In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant uses a spectroscopeto test the gemstone. The spectroscope is used to determine whether agemstone is made from a natural material or a synthetic material.Spectroscopes generally use high-dispersion diffraction grating film,movable slits, and a photodetector to measure the properties of lightwithin a specific portion of the spectrum. Each natural and syntheticmineral has a unique spectral “signature” that can be identified whencompared to a full spectrum Fraunhofer chart. As such, the level ofabsorption and/or transmission from a full spectrum light source thatpasses through the crystal will identify subtle variations in chemicalcomposition.

In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant uses a Raman ImagingSpectrometer, which is a sophisticated testing device that can be usedto identify inclusions in a gemstone. The Raman Imaging Spectrometeralso can determine whether a diamond is a synthetic diamond that hasbeen grown or created in a laboratory. For example, the Raman ImagingSpectrometer can determine whether the diamond is a laboratory-createdHigh Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) diamond. The Raman ImagineSpectrometer also can detect the presence of any artificial resin in agemstone, such as emerald fillers.

In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant uses a Chelsea filterto test the gemstone. The Chelsea filter also may be referred to as an“emerald filter” or “color filter.” The Chelsea filer is a gemologicaldichromatic filter that can help separate some natural gemstones fromtheir synthetic counterparts. The Chelsea filter absorbs visible lightwith the exception of long red wavelengths, which are transmittedthrough the filter causing some minerals to change color. The change ofcolor in the gemstone is due to the absorption and transmission ofdifferent wavelengths of full-spectrum white light. For example, the“green” of an emerald is created from a combination of differentwavelengths that can help distinguish chromium-colored (natural)emeralds from emerald imitations, which are often colored by elementsother than chromium. A natural emerald that is colored by chromium willappear as pink or red in the Chelsea Filter. On the other hand,transparent blue stones that appear pink or dirty red under a Chelseafilter should be suspected of enhancement treatments using chromium.

In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant uses a magnificationlens, such as a darkfield diamond viewer to test the gemstone. Adarkfield diamond viewer is a portable “darkfield” 10× loupe forinspecting diamonds and other gemstones. Using darkfield illumination, agemologist can detect fracture-filled stones, or diamonds that haveundergone clarity enhancement. The process of fracture-filling involvesfilling cracks in diamonds with molten glass to improve their clarity.Because only thin glass film is used, the color or weight of the diamondis usually unaffected. As a result, a fracture-filled diamond can beeasily overlooked by the naked eye. Thus, the jewelry consultant may usethe darkfield diamond viewer to determine whether a diamond emitsflashes of color (or the “flash effect”). The jewelry consultants alsomay use the darkfield diamond viewer to help detect small inclusions ina gemstone.

In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant uses a scale tomeasure the weight of a finished jewelry piece and/or a gemstone. Thescale may be a digital electronic scale and may employ weight units ingrams, ounces or carats.

In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant measures the specificgravity of a gemstone. One process for testing the specific gravity mayinvolve using heavy liquids or hydrostatic weighing Specific gravity(SG), is a measurement of the relative density of a gem or mineral.Relative density is a comparative scale of how tightly the atoms aregrouped in a given material. Using heavy liquids to measure specificgravity starts with several containers of different liquid solutions,each with gradually increasing density. A gemstone will sink, float, orrise to the surface depending on its specific gravity in relation to theliquid.

V. Designing Customized Ring Setting

Once the customer has selected a diamond to purchase, he has the optionof creating a customized setting for the diamond.

FIG. 8 a illustrates an exemplary example of interactive design tool 800for designing a customized ring setting. Although the exemplary exampleillustrates the customization of a ring setting, interactive design tool800 may be applied to any piece of jewelry item. For example,interactive design tool 800 may be used to design a bracelet, anecklace, a pendant, and a brooch.

Referring back to FIG. 8 a, interactive design tool 800 comprises designtemplate 846, which is a customizable image of the jewelry piece. In theexemplary example, design template 846 shows an image of a ring setting.As shown in FIG. 8 a, interactive design tool 800 allows customers toselect and change various components of the ring, such as head 802, sidestones 804 and band 806.

FIG. 8 b illustrates another example of interactive design tool 800. InFIG. 8 b, interactive design tool 800 provides additional customizationfeatures to the user. For example, the customer may highlight andcustomize prong 832 and edge 834.

Interactive design tool 800 also comprises toolbar 808 that offer theavailable option choices for each ring component. Toolbar 808 comprisestab 810-818 which represent the categories of the available optionchoices. Tabs 810-812 are directed at the various components of the ringsetting. Tab 816 is directed the available shape choices for a diamond.For example, the customer may use interactive design tool 800 in thebeginning of his diamond search in order to decide which shape ofdiamond to purchase. Toolbar 808 also comprises tab 818 for inputtingthe size of the ring band.

When a customer clicks on one of tabs 810-818, toolbar 800 expands todisplay a plurality of option choices related to the selected tabcategory. For example, the customer may select tab 812 for the categoryof side stones. In return, tool bar 808 expands to offer a plurality ofchoices, such as a pave setting, a channel setting, a baguette setting,a preset setting, and a three-stone ring setting. In at least oneembodiment, the side stones may take on any number of shapes. Someexample shapes may include: Asscher cut, baguillion cut, barocut,briolette cut, corona cut, crosscut cut, cushion cut, Czar cut, flanderssquare cut, grace cut, half moon cut, heart-shaped cut, Marquise cut,radiant cut, oval cut, pear-shaped cut, princess cut, quadrillion cut,regent cut, trillion cut, virtue cut or round cut.

In at least one embodiment, each of tab categories 810-818 expands intosubcategories. Each subcategory may be directed at an option choice forthe ring setting. In at least one embodiment, each subcategory iscapable of being expanded into additional subcategories. For example, asshown in FIG. 8 c, the customer selects tab 810 for the category of ringhead. Toolbar 808 expands into the subcategories of shape of stone 848,head setting 850, and prong setting 852. If the customer selects prongsetting tab 852, then toolbar 808 expands further into subcategories ofnumber of prongs 854 or style of prong 860. Selecting tab 854 for numberof prong results in toolbar 808 further expanding into choices of a4-prong mount or a 6-prong mount.

In at least one embodiment, the customer places a cursor over thesection of the ring setting that he wishes to customize Interactivedesign tool 800 then highlights the selected section of the ring. Toolbar 812 also displays the available options for the highlighted sectionof the ring. As shown in FIG. 8 d, the customer highlights band 806 forthe ring. Toolbar 808 then displays tabs 862-866 which correspond tosubcategories shank style, edge type and metal type. If the customerselects tab 866 for metal type, then tool bar 808 displays the optionsfor the available metal types for the band. Tabs 836-844 correspond tothe choices of a platinum band, a white gold band, a yellow gold band, asilver band and a titanium band. The customer selects an option byclicking on corresponding tabs 836-844.

For example, the customer may select platinum tab 836. In response,interactive design tool 800 automatically updates band 806 on designtemplate 846 to reflect the selection of platinum. If the customer thenclicks yellow gold tab 838, then interactive design tool 800automatically changes band 806 to be yellow gold. The customer maychoose to quickly click through each of the available choices in toolbar808 before making his final selection. Once the customer has decided ona metal type for band 806, he then clicks update button 830, whichupdates the image pictured in preview box 824.

In at least one embodiment, the customer select tab 862 for shank style.Toolbar 808 expands to display a variety of options for the shank, orthe part of the ring that encircles the finger. Some options for shankstyle may include a rounded style or a European (square) style.

In at least one embodiment, the customer selects tab 864 for edge type.Toolbar 808 expands to display a variety of options for the edge of thering band. Some options for edge style may include a half round edge, asquare edge, a knife edge or a comfort fit edge.

Referring back to FIG. 8 a, the customer also may make changes to designtemplate 846 by clicking on corresponding tabs 810-818. When thecustomer selects a tab, toolbar 808 expands to display the availableoptions for the selected tab. FIG. 8 d illustrates an exemplary exampleof a customer selecting shape tab 816. In response to the customer'sselection of shape tab 816, toolbar 808 expands to display the availablediamond shapes. In the example illustrated in FIG. 8 e, the customerselects heart-shaped diamond 868. Design template 846 is automaticallyupdated to display the heart-shaped diamond. Once the customer selectsupdate button 830, interactive design tool 800 updates the image inprevious box 824.

In at least one embodiment, the customer may rotate design template 846in a 360 degree view. The customer clicks on design template 846 anddrags the mouse around in order to cause design template 846 to rotateabout an axis. The “click and drag” function allows the customer to viewdesign template 846 from a variety of different angles.

In at least one embodiment, interactive design tool 800 displays designtemplate 846 in four different views: top view, bottom view and sideviews. Buttons correspond to each view is present on interactive designtool 800. By selecting the corresponding button, the customer can togglebetween each of the views available for design template 846.

After the customer finishes designing the ring setting, he has severaloptions on how to proceed. In at least one embodiment, the customerselects save button 826 which saves the most recent image of preview box824. The image may be stored in the database of the website, or theimage may be saved locally at the customer's location. In anotherembodiment, the customer selects share button 828 which allows him toshare the image of preview box 824 with another person. In at least oneembodiment, interactive design tool 800 displays an electronicsubmission box in response to the selection of share button 828. Thecustomer inputs an e-mail address for the intended recipient. Thecustomer also may include a message in the electronic submission box.The website then sends an electronic message to the recipient witheither the designed image, or the website may send a link to thedesigned image.

In at least one embodiment, in response to the selection of share button828, interactive design tool 800 provides the customer with an option ofposting either an image of the designed ring setting or a link to thedesigned image to variety of social media sites, such as Facebook,Twitter and Blogger.

At any point during the design process, the customer may request a liveinteractive communication session with a jewelry designer. Similar tothe process previously described for scheduling an interactivecommunication session with a live jewelry consultant, the customersubmits a request for an interactive communication session with ajewelry designer. The customer's request is routed through communicationchannel 602 to request handling system 604.

In one embodiment, request handling system 604 randomly assigns thecustomer to a first available jewelry designer. In another embodiment,the customer specifies a particular designer for the interactivecommunication session. The customer may include the name of the designerin the request that is submitted to request handling system 604. Forexample, the customer may have developed a positive working experiencewith a particular jewelry designer. Thus, the customer may wish tocontinue working with this same designer. In another example, thecustomer may wish to specify a particular jewelry designer based on apersonal reference or recommendation.

In at least one embodiment, the customer selects a jewelry designerbased on the jewelry consultant's public profile, which is displayed onthe website. The public profile may include a photograph of the designerand a biography of the designer's background. The biography may includeeducational background, relevant work experiences and a sample portfolioof his or her work.

In at least one embodiment, the website allows previous customers towrite a review for each jewelry designer. Similar to the review andranking system for jewelry consultants, the website allows previouscustomers to rank each designer. The reviews and rankings may bepublished on the website next to each jewelry designer's profiles. Inone example, the customer selects a jewelry designer based on theranking and reviews posted.

As shown in FIG. 6, request handling system 604 identifies a jewelrydesigner for the customer. Request handling system 604 then sends therequest to the jewelry's workstation 626. In at least one embodiment,the jewelry designer may accept the request by clicking on a button or alink to indicate that he is available for the requested date and time ofthe interactive communication session. Designer workstation 626 thentransmits an indication of the jewelry consultant's acceptance back torequest handling system 604. In response, request handling system 604generates an interactive communication session between client terminal600 and designer workstation 626 at the requested date and time.

In at least one embodiment, the interactive communication session is athree-way video conference with the customer, jewelry designer andjewelry consultant. Together, the jewelry designer and the jewelryconsultant help the customer selected a gemstone and create a setting.In at least one embodiment, request handling system 604 does not need togenerate an interactive communication session between the customer andthe jewelry designer. Rather, the jewelry consultant selects aconference button that connects the jewelry designer into the existinginteractive communication session.

In another embodiment, the jewelry designer merely takes over thejewelry consultant's place at workstation 612. No new interactivecommunication session is necessary. The customer continues discussionswith the jewelry designer on the existing interactive communicationsession. In at least one embodiment, the jewelry consultant is thejewelry designer.

In at least one embodiment, the customer uploads an image of a desiredsetting. Client terminal 600 transmits the uploaded image overcommunication channel 602 to jewelry designer workstation 626. Thejewelry designer analyzes the uploaded image. In one embodiment, thedesigner attempts to locate a pre-designed setting that matches theuploaded image. In another example, the designer attempts to recreatethe uploaded image. Still in another example, the jewelry designer andcustomer discussion the uploaded image over the interactivecommunication session. The jewelry designer may break down variouscomponents of the uploaded image and discuss the various options forreplication. In at least one embodiment, the customer uploads multipleimages and specifies which components of each image that he wishes toanalyze.

For example, the customer may submit several images of celebrityengagement ring. The customer may indicate that he likes the shape ofthe diamond in one ring setting and wishes to incorporate the sidestones of another image. The jewelry designer would analyze the uploadedimage and determine the various components that can be emulated. Thedesigner may determine that customer likes the heart-shaped diamond anda baguette style side stone. As such, the jewelry designer will workwith the customer in designing a unique ring setting that incorporatesthe traits of a heart-shaped diamond and baguette-style side stones.

In at least one embodiment, the uploaded image is analyzed byimage-recognition software. The image-recognition software determinesthe various components of the uploaded image that are capable of beingemulated.

In at least one embodiment, the customer selects a pre-designed settingfrom a gallery of pre-designed settings, and uses the pre-designedsetting as his customized setting.

In at least one embodiment, the customer reviews a gallery ofpre-designed settings and uses a pre-designed setting for a portion ofhis customized setting.

VI. Other Embodiments

A. A method comprising: receiving, via a processor, a request from aremote device to communicate with a jewelry consultant concerning atleast one jewelry item, in which the processor and the remote device arein electronic communication via a network; generating, via the processorin response to the request, an interactive communication session betweenthe jewelry consultant and the remote device, in which the interactivecommunication session transmits live video images of the jewelryconsultant and the at least one jewelry item to the remote device;applying, via the processor, at least one test on the at least onejewelry item; and transmitting, via the processor, a test result that isgenerated from applying the at least one test on the at least onejewelry item.

A.1. The method of claim A further comprising: receiving live videoimages of a customer from the remote device. A.2. The method of claim A,in which the video images are captured via at least one of: a videocamera; and a webcam. A.3. The method of claim A further comprising:transmitting the request to communicate to the jewelry consultant, inwhich the request to communicate comprises a proposed date and aproposed time for the interactive communication session. A.4. The methodof claim A.3. further comprising: receiving an acceptance of the requestto communicate; and transmitting an indication of the acceptance to theremote device. A.5. The method of claim A.3. further comprising:receiving a decline of the request to communicate; and transmitting anindication of the decline to the remote device. A.6. The method of claimA.5. further comprising: receiving an alternative time and analternative date for the interactive communication session. A.7. Themethod of claim A.6., in which the alternative time and the alternativedate are submitted by the jewelry consultant. A.8. The method of claimA.6., in which the alternative time and the alternative date aresubmitted by the remote device. A.9. The method of claim A furthercomprising: receiving at least one desired criterion for the jewelryconsultant; and selecting the jewelry consultant for the interactivecommunication session, in which the jewelry consultant matches the atleast one desired criterion. A.10. The method of claim A.9., in whichthe at least one desired criterion comprises at least one of: a gender,an educational background, a certification, a license, a level ofexperience, a sales number, a quantity of positive reviews and aquantity of negative reviews. A.11. The method of claim A furthercomprising: selecting the jewelry consultant from a plurality of jewelryconsultants. A.1.2 The method of claim A, which the jewelry consultantis at least one of: a certified gemologist; and a salesperson. A.13. Themethod of claim A further comprising: receiving a request to communicatewith a specific jewelry consultant, in which the specific jewelryconsultant is selected from a plurality of jewelry consultants.

A.14. The method of claim A.13., in which each of the plurality ofjewelry consultants has a biography that is viewable online; and inwhich the specific jewelry consultant is selected based at least on thebiography of the specific jewelry consultant. A.15. The method of claimA.14., in which the biography comprises at least one review concerningthe specific jewelry consultant, in which the at least one review iswritten by a previous customer. A.16. The method of claim A.14., inwhich the biography comprises a ranking of the specific jewelryconsultant in comparison to the plurality of jewelry consultants. A.17.The method of claim A further comprising: receiving at least oneundesired criterion for the jewelry consultant; and selecting thejewelry consultant for the interactive communication session, in whichthe jewelry consultant does not possess the at least one undesiredcriterion. A.18. The method of claim A. further comprising: receiving atleast one blacklisted jewelry consultant; and selecting the jewelryconsultant from a plurality of jewelry consultants, in which theplurality of jewelry consultant does not comprise the at least oneblacklisted jewelry consultant.

A.19. The method of claim A. further comprising: causing a displaydevice to display the at least one jewelry item under a microscope, inwhich the microscope outputs at least one magnified image of the atleast one jewelry item; and transmitting the at least one magnifiedimage of the at least one jewelry item to the remote device. A.20. Themethod of claim A.19., in which the microscope is capable of receivinginput information from the remote device. A.21. The method of claimA.20. further comprising: receiving an instruction from the remotedevice to generate a magnified image of the at least one jewelry item;and transmitting the magnified image of the at least one jewelry item tothe remote device. A.22. The method of claim A.19., in which a videocamera is attached to the microscope.

A.23. The method of claim A. further comprising: receiving a request tocompare the at least one jewelry item with a benchmark object; andtransmitting video images of the at least one jewelry item and thebenchmark object to the remote device. A.24. The method of claim A.23.,in which the benchmark object comprises a model's hand. A.25. The methodof claim A.24, in which the model's hand is available in a plurality ofsizes. A.26. The method of claim A.24, in which the model's hand isavailable in a plurality of skin tones. A.27. The method of claim A.24,in which the model's hand is available in either male form or femaleform. A.28. The method of claim A.24, in which the model's hand isavailable in either child form or adult form.

A.28. The method of claim A further comprising: receiving a request toprovide a side-by-side comparison of at least two jewelry items; andtransmitting video images of the side-by-side comparison to the remotedevice. A.29. The method of claim A.28., in which the at least twojewelry items are diamonds that share at least one of: a same cut, asame color, a same clarity, a same carat size and a same cost. A.30. Themethod of claim A.29., in which the at least two jewelry items arediamonds that share a same cut, a same color, a same clarity and a samecarat size. A.31. The method of claim A.28., in which the least twojewelry items are diamonds that differ on at least one of: a cut, acolor, a clarity, a carat size and a cost.

A.32. The method of claim A, in which the at least one test comprises atleast one of: a quality-related tests; and an authenticity-related test.A.33. The method of claim A, in which the at least one test comprises anASET test; and the method further comprising: generating an ASET imagein response to application of the ASET test on the at least one jewelryitem; and transmitting the ASET image to the remote device. A.33. Themethod of claim A., in which the at least one test comprises a Heartsand Arrows test; and the method further comprising: generating a Heartsand Arrows image in response to application of the Hearts and Arrowstest; and transmitting the Hearts and Arrows image to the remote device.

A.34. The method of claim A. further comprising: receiving a request toadjust a lighting that is being directed on the at least one jewelryitem. A.35. The method of claim A.34., in which adjusting the lightingcomprises: adjusting an intensity of the lighting. A.36. The method ofclaim A.35., in which adjusting the lighting comprises: adjusting acolor of the lighting. A.37. The method of claim A.35., in whichadjusting the lighting comprises: adjusting the type of lighting. A.38.The method of claim A.34., in which the lighting is capable ofreplicating a lighting of various times of day. A.35. The method ofclaim A.34, in which the lighting is capable of replicating a lightingof various environments.

A.36. The method of claim A further comprising: receiving a request tocustomize a setting for the at least one jewelry item. A.37. The methodof claim A.36., in which the setting may be at least one of: a ringsetting, an earring setting, and a pendant. A.38. The method of claimA.36. further comprising: receiving a request from a remote device tocommunicate with a jewelry designer; and generating, in response to therequest, an interactive communication session between the jewelrydesigner and the remote device. A.39. The method of claim A furthercomprising: generating an interactive design tool for designing acustomized setting, in which the interactive design tool comprises anelectronic template of the customized setting and the customized settingcomprises a plurality of sections; detecting a selection of a firstsection of the customized setting; providing at least two customizableoptions for the first section of the customized setting; receiving aselection of one of the at least two customizable options; andgenerating a representation of the selected one of the at least twocustomizable options on the electronic template. A.40. The method ofclaim A.39., in which detecting the selection of the first section ofthe customized setting comprises: detecting that a cursor over the firstsection of the customized setting. A.41. The method of claim A.39., inwhich the first section comprises a head of a ring; and the at least twocustomizable options for the head of the ring comprises at least two of:a shape of stone; a head setting; a prong setting; a quantity of prongs;and a type of prong. A.42. The method of claim A.41., in which the shapeof stone comprises at least one of: an Asscher cut, a cushion cut, anemerald cut, a heart-shaped cut, a marquise cut, an oval cut, a pearcut, a princess cut, and a radiant cut. A.43. The method of claim A.41.,in which the head setting comprises at least one of: a half-bezel head;and a full-bezel head. A.44. The method of claim A.41, in which thequantity of prongs comprises at least one of: a no-prong setting; afour-prong setting; and a six-prong setting. A.45. The method of claimA.41, in which the type of prong comprises at least one of: anall-around mount, a cathedral mount, a claw mount, an illusion mount, asplit mount, a tension mount, a closed gallery mount, and an opengallery mount. A.46. The method of claim of A.39., in which the firstsection comprises a band of a ring; and the at least two customizableoptions for the band comprise at least two of: a type of metal; a shankstyle; a type of edge finish; a width of the shank; and a height of theshank. A.47. The method of claim A.46., in which the type of metalcomprises one of: a platinum metal, a white gold metal, a yellow goldmetal, a silver metal, and a titanium metal. A.48. The method of claimA.46., in which the shank style comprises at least one of: a roundedstyle and a European style. A.49. The method of claim A.46., in whichthe type of edge finish comprises at least one of: a half-round edge, aknife edge, a square edge and a comfort fit. A.50. The method of claimA.39., in which the first section comprises a side stone of a ring; andthe at least two customizable options for the side stone comprise atleast two of: an Asscher cut, a baguillion cut, a barocut, a briolettecut, a corona cut, a crosscut cut, a cushion cut, a Czar cut, a Flanderssquare cut, a grace cut, a half moon cut, a heart-shaped cut, a Marquisecut, a radiant cut, a oval cut, a pear-shaped cut, a princess cut, aquadrillion cut, a regent cut, a trillion cut, a virtue cut and a roundcut. A.51. The method of claim A.50. in which the side stone comprisesany gemstone that is available. A.52. The method of claim A.39. furthercomprising: receiving a request to rotate the customized setting inthree dimensions. A.53. The method of claim A.52., in which the requestto rotate the customized setting comprises: detecting a selection of aclick-and-drag button located on the interactive design tool. A.54. Themethod of claim A.39. further comprising: receiving a request to rotatethe customized setting along at least one of: a x-axis; a y-axis; and az-axis. A.55. The method of claim A.39. further comprising: receiving arequest to save the customized setting; and storing the saved customizedsetting in a database. A.56. The method of claim A.39. furthercomprising: receiving a request to send an electronic link of thecustomized setting, in which the request comprises an email address fora recipient of the electronic link; and transmitting an email with theelectronic link to the email address. A.57. The method of claim A.39.further comprising: receiving a request to post an electronic link ofthe customized setting to a social network site, in which at least oneindividual may vote or comment on the posted customized setting. A.58.The method of claim A, in which the at least one jewelry item is adiamond and the diamond comprises a certificate that is viewable online.A.59. The method of claim A.58., in which the certificate is issued byone of: Gemological Institute of America (GIA), InternationalGemological Institute (IGI), American Gemological Society (AGS) orEuropean Gemological Society (EGL).

A.60. An apparatus comprising: a processor that is connected via anetwork to: (i) a video camera for capturing a video file of a jewelryconsultant and at least one jewelry item, and transmitting the videofile via a live video stream to a video output located on a remotedevice; (ii) an audio input for capture a audio file of the jewelryconsultant's voice and transmitting the sound file to an audio outputlocated on the remote device; and a memory, in which the memory storesinstructions which, when executed by the processor, direct the processorto perform the method of: receiving a request from the remote device tocommunicate with a jewelry consultant concerning at least one jewelryitem; generating, in response to the request, an interactivecommunication session between the jewelry consultant and the remotedevice, in which the interactive communication session transmits livevideo images of the jewelry consultant and the at least one jewelry itemto the remote device; applying at least one test on the at least onejewelry item; and transmitting a test result that is generated fromapplying the at least one test on the at least one jewelry item. A.61.The apparatus of claim A.60. further comprising: a microscope thatoutputs images of the at least one jewelry item and is capable ofreceiving instructions from the remote device.

A.62. An article of manufacture comprising: a storage medium, in whichthe storage medium stores instructions which, when executed by aprocessor, direct the processor to perform the method of: receiving arequest from the remote device to communicate with a jewelry consultantconcerning at least one jewelry item; generating, in response to therequest, an interactive communication session between the jewelryconsultant and the remote device, in which the interactive communicationsession transmits live video images of the jewelry consultant and the atleast one jewelry item to the remote device; applying at least one teston the at least one jewelry item; and transmitting a test result that isgenerated from applying the at least one test on the at least onejewelry item.

B. A method comprising: viewing, via a processor, a plurality of jewelryitems that are available for sale via an online webpage; transmitting,via the processor, a request to communicate with a jewelry consultantlocated at a remote device about at least one jewelry item, in which theprocessor and the remote device are in electronic communication via anetwork; receiving, via the processor in response to the request tocommunicate, an interactive communication session with the jewelryconsultant, in which the interactive communication session transmitslive video images of the jewelry consultant and the at least one jewelryitem; transmitting, via the processor, a request to apply at least onetest on the at least one jewelry item; and receiving, via the processor,a test result that is generated from applying the at least one test onthe at least one jewelry item.

B.1. The method of claim B, in which the interactive communicationsession appears on a monitor screen. B.2. The method of claim B.1., inwhich the monitor screen splits into at least two sections, in which afirst section comprises the online webpage and a second sectioncomprises the interactive communication session with the jewelryconsultant. B.3. The method of claim B.1., in which the interactivecommunication session causes a pop-up box to appear on the monitorscreen.

B.4. The method of claim B further comprising: submitting at leastsearch criteria for the at least one jewelry item, in which the at leastsearch criteria is a category. B.5. The method of claim B.4., in whichthe at least one category comprises at least one of: a price of adiamond, a carat size of a diamond, a cut of a diamond, a color of adiamond, and a clarity of a diamond.

B.6. The method of claim B further comprising: submitting, via aprocessor, a request to view the at least one jewelry item under amicroscope, in which the microscope outputs video images of the at leastone jewelry item and is capable of receiving input information from aremote device. B.7. The method of claim B.6. further comprising:receiving, in response to the request to view, live video images of theat least one jewelry item under the microscope. B.8. The method of claimB.6. further comprising: receiving, in response to the request to view,a high-resolution image of the at least one jewelry item under themicroscope. B.9. The method of B.6. further comprising: transmitting aninstruction directly to the microscope via an input device. B.10. Themethod of claim B.9., in which the instruction comprises: instructingthe microscope to increase a zoom of a lens by a percentage in order togenerate a magnified image of the least one jewelry item. B.11. Themethod of claim B.10. further comprising: receiving the magnified imageof the at least one jewelry item over the live video stream. B.12. Themethod of claim B.9. further comprising: instructing the digitalmicroscope to decrease a zoom of a lens by a percentage to generate aminimized image of the at least one jewelry item. B.13. The method ofclaim B.12. further comprising: receiving the minimized image of the atleast one jewelry item over the live video stream.

B.14. The method of claim B further comprising: submitting a request tocustomize a setting for the at least one jewelry item. B.15. The methodof claim B further comprising: transmitting a request to communicatewith a jewelry designer. B.16. The method of claim B further comprising:utilizing an interactive design tool for designing a customized setting,in which the interactive design tool comprises an electronic template ofthe customized setting and the customized setting comprises a pluralityof sections; selecting a first section of the customized setting;receiving at least two customizable options for the first section of thecustomized setting; selecting one of the at least two customizableoptions; and receiving a representation of the selected one of the atleast two customizable options on the electronic template. B.17. Themethod of claim B.16., in which selecting the first section of thecustomized setting further comprises: moving a cursor over the firstsection of the customized setting.

B.18. The method of claim B.16. further comprising: submitting a requestto rotate the customized setting in three dimensions. B.19. The methodof claim B.18., in which the request to rotate the customized settingcomprises: detecting a selection of a click-and-drag button located onthe interactive design tool.

B.20. The method of claim B.16. further comprising: transmitting arequest to save the customized setting. B.21. The method of claim B.16.further comprising: transmitting a request to send an electronic link ofthe customized setting, in which the request comprises an email addressfor a recipient of the electronic link. B.22. The method of claim B.16.further comprising: transmitting a request to post an electronic link ofthe customized setting to a social network site, in which at least oneindividual may vote or comment on the posted customized setting.

B.23. A method comprising: receiving, via a processor, a request from aremote device to communicate with a jewelry consultant concerning atleast one jewelry item, in which the processor and the remote device arein electronic communication via a network; and generating, via theprocessor in response to the request, an interactive communicationsession between the jewelry consultant and the remote device, in whichthe interactive communication session transmits live video images of thejewelry consultant and the at least one jewelry item to the remotedevice. B.24. The method of claim B.23. further comprising: applying,via the processor, at least one test on the at least one jewelry item;and transmitting, via the processor, a test result that is generatedfrom applying the at least one test on the at least one jewelry item.

What is claimed is:
 1. The method comprising: generating, via aprocessor, an interactive design tool, in which the interactive designtool comprises an electronic template of the customized setting and thecustomized setting comprises a plurality of sections; receiving, via theprocessor from a remote device, user-input data comprising: selection ofa section of the customized setting; and a selection of at least onecustomizable feature of the selected section; in which the remote deviceand the processor are in electronic communication over a network;generating, via the processor, a graphical representation of thecustomized setting, in which the customized setting comprises the atleast one customizable feature; and displaying the graphicalrepresentation of the customized setting on a display.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising: receiving a selection of a differentcustomizable feature of the selected section; and updating the graphicalrepresentation of the customized setting, in which the customizedsetting comprises the different customizable feature.
 3. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising: receiving a selection of a different sectionof the customized setting; receiving a selection of at least onecustomizable feature of the different section; and automaticallyupdating the graphical representation of the customized setting, inwhich the customized setting comprises the at least one customizablefeature of the different section.
 4. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: receiving a request to rotate the customized setting.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, in which the request to rotate comprises: a requestto rotate to a side view.
 6. The method of claim 4, in which the requestto rotate comprises: a request to rotate to a 360 degree view.
 7. Themethod of claim 4, in which receiving the request to rotate comprises:detecting a click and drag of a mouse.
 8. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: detecting a cursor over the selected section of thecustomized setting.
 9. The method of claim 1 further comprising:receiving a request to save the customized setting; and storing thecustomized setting in a database.
 10. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: receiving a request to print the selected ring setting. 11.The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving a request totransmit the selected ring setting to a remote device.
 12. The method ofclaim 11 further comprising: in response to the request to transmit theselected ring setting, transmitting an electronic link of the selectedring setting.
 13. The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving arequest to post the selected ring setting on a social media.
 14. Themethod of claim 13 further comprising: in response to the request topost the selected ring setting, posting an electronic link of theselected ring setting to a social network site.
 15. The method of claim14, in which at least one individual may vote or comment on the postedselected ring setting.
 16. The method of claim 1, in which the at leastone jewelry item is a diamond and the diamond comprises a certificatethat is viewable online.
 17. The method of claim 1 further comprising:receiving a request for a model of the customized setting.
 18. Themethod of claim 17 further comprising: in response to the request forthe model of the customized setting, generating a graphicalrepresentation of the customized setting.
 19. The method of claim 1further comprising: receiving a request for a meeting with a designconsultant.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: in responseto the for the meeting with the design consultant, generating a videosession with the design consultant, in which the design consultant isavailable to communicate in real-time
 21. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: receiving an uploaded image of a setting design.
 22. Anapparatus comprising: a processor; and a memory, in which the memorystores instructions which, when executed by the processor, direct theprocessor to: generate an interactive design tool, in which theinteractive design tool comprises an electronic template of thecustomized setting and the customized setting comprises a plurality ofsections; receive user-input data comprising: selection of a section ofthe customized setting; and a selection of at least one customizablefeature of the selected section; generate a graphical representation ofthe customized setting, in which the customized setting comprises the atleast one customizable feature; and display the graphical representationof the customized setting on a display.
 23. An article of manufacturecomprising: a computer-readable medium that is non-transitory, in whichthe computer-readable medium stores instructions which, when executed bya processor, direct the processor to: generate an interactive designtool, in which the interactive design tool comprises an electronictemplate of the customized setting and the customized setting comprisesa plurality of sections; receive user-input data comprising: selectionof a section of the customized setting; and a selection of at least onecustomizable feature of the selected section; generate a graphicalrepresentation of the customized setting, in which the customizedsetting comprises the at least one customizable feature; and display thegraphical representation of the customized setting on a display.